Built in preparation for the 1998 World Cup, the Stade de France is one of the world's largest and grandest stadiums.
Despite its youth in comparison to other grounds, France's fantastic national stadium has already hosted numerous iconic sporting events.
So, if you are going to pay a visit, GOAL brings you everything you need to know.
Where is the Stade de France?
Address: Stade de France, 93216 Saint-Denis
Google maps: Further directions to the stadium can be found here
The Stade de France is located in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, approximately 2 miles north of Paris.
If you're driving, the A1 (which runs through the heart of Paris) and the A86 run directly past the stadium. Take exit 2 Stade de France off the A1 and exit 9 La Plaine Stade de France off the A86.
You can take the RER (Metro extension) to get to the stadium by public transportation. Both RER lines B and D can be taken from Châtelet station (10-minute ride) and Gare de Nord station (5-minute ride). If you take line B, get off at La Plaine Stade de France station. If you're taking line D, get off at Stade de France Saint Denis.
Alternatively, regular metro lines can also take you to the ground; take line 13 from Monsparnasse, Invalides, and Saint-Lazare and get off at Saint-Denis Porte de Paris station.
When was the Stade de France built?
The stadium's construction began in 1995, and it officially opened on January 28, 1998, with a friendly match between France and Spain. Zinedine Zidane scored the game's first and only goal.
The conversation of a new national stadium in France began in July 1992, following the country's selection to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
At the time, no stadium in France could hold more than 45,000 people, and the tournament required a stadium with a capacity of 70,000 or more.
The Stade de France hosted nine World Cup matches in 1998, including the final between France and Brazil, which saw Didier Deschamps captain his team to their first ever World Cup trophy.
The stadium is owned and run by the Consortium Stade de France.
What is the Stade de France’s capacity?
The Stade de France has a seating capacity of 80,698, making it the seventh largest stadium in Europe.
Which teams play at Stade de France?
Apart from the French national football and rugby teams, the Stade de France has no regular tenants. Stade Français, a rugby club in Paris, has become part-time occupants.
Paris Saint-Germain did have the option to move to the Stade de France when it was initially built, but decided to remain at the Parc des Princes.
Does the Stade de France host music concerts & other events?
The Stade de France has hosted a number of major concerts, including performances by superstars such as Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Eminem, Coldplay, and many others.
The stadium regularly hosts rugby matches including the 2007 Rugby World Cup final.
The Stade de France was built to accommodate athletic events, and so it hosted the World Championships in Athletics in 2003, as well as the Meeting Areva athletics meet from 1999 to 2016.
The Race of Champions was also hosted at the stadium in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
What is the Stade de France seating plan?
A seating plan for the stadium’s football and other events can be found on the seating plan website.
Can you book a Stade de France tour?
Stade de France offers guided stadium tours that include visits to the changing rooms, players' tunnel, pitchside, and a museum dedicated to the stadium's construction and events that have taken place since.
Tours are available every day of the week, though this may vary on event days. French language tours are available between 10:30 and 16:00 , while English language tours are available twice a day at 11:00 and 14:00
Tours cost €15 (£12) for adults and €10 (£8) for children aged 5-18, with group tickets available at discounted rates.
For more information and booking details, visit the official Stade de France website.