Groupama Stadium
Décines-Charpieu, France
About this place
History of the stadium
Matmut Stade de Gerland was inaugurated in 1926 and played a central role in Lyon’s sporting life for decades. It was the long-time home of Olympique Lyonnais before the club moved to a new stadium. After extensive renovations, the venue was adapted to better suit rugby and modern event requirements.
Architecture and design
The stadium was originally designed by architect Tony Garnier and features a historic concrete structure combined with modernized stands. Renovations reduced capacity while improving sightlines and comfort. The design blends early 20th-century architecture with contemporary stadium standards.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
Rugby matchdays at Matmut Stade de Gerland deliver an intense and compact atmosphere, with supporters close to the pitch. Football matches and special events benefit from the stadium’s enclosed layout, which helps concentrate crowd noise and create a strong sense of occasion.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located in the Gerland district of Lyon, south of the city center. It is easily accessible by metro, tram and bus services, with direct connections from central Lyon. The surrounding area includes sports facilities and urban infrastructure.
Origin of the stadium name
The name Matmut Stade de Gerland comes from a naming rights agreement with Matmut, a French mutual insurance company. The Gerland name reflects the district in which the stadium is located.
