Stade Louis II
Wednesday 1 July 2009
e-mail
Print
Digg
Save
Stade Louis II (©AFP)
The Stade Louis II is set just in from the Mediterranean coast, in the suburb of Fontvieille, a short distance from the cliffs of the Côte d'Azur. Although its capacity is a little under 20,000, the spectacular setting and stunning design make it one of the most impressive stadiums in French football.
Big games
The Stade Louis II is named after the grandfather of Monaco's late Prince Rainier III, who opened the ground in 1985. It is home to AS Monaco FC and, as such, is no stranger to big European nights, notably in 1998 and 2004 when the local favourites reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Since 1998 it has also hosted the UEFA Super Cup match, while the running track around the pitch indicates that international athletics events are also held here.
Large complex
Built near the site of the old Monaco stadium, the Stade Louis II was the brainchild of Prince Rainier III, who brought in top architects from Paris to construct the well-equipped multi-storey sports complex. Much of the venue's facilities are underground, including its car park, swimming pools and gymnasia, and all of this was built on land reclaimed from the Mediterranean over a period of nearly five years in the early 1980s. The best seats are in the upper tier of the north stand, or Tribune d'Honneur, although the lower tier, Tribune Reservée, is almost as well-positioned and is favoured by local families. In the south stand, the middle tiers of the Tribune Première are also popular. Away fans tend to be allocated the Cap d'Ail end, where you will find the main bar, L'Equipe.
©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.
