Arguably, the first new stadium to be built in the modern era, but four decades later its age is beginning to show. While the atmosphere may not be what it used to be, a packed Parc des Princes is still an experience.

History and description

Parc de Princes was built to provide the city of Paris with a modern venue for important rugby and football matches. The stadium replaced the old Vélodrome, which had been in use since 1897. The Parc des Princes stadium was officially opened on June 4, 1972 by French president Georges Pompidou. The first match was the Coupe de France final between Marseille and Bastia (2-1).

The stadium, designed by architect Roger Taillibert, received several architectural awards for its avant garde design and striking features were the 50 concrete columns that support the ring-shaped roof.

It was the club's first home, and it had a capacity of just over 40,000. In 1973, Paris Saint-Germain moved into their first home stadium—a small, 40,000-seat venue.

Over the following decades, Parc des Princes regularly hosted matches of the French national team, Coupe de France finals, and it was the playing venue of several European Cup finals.

The first of these finals was the European Cup final between Bayern München and Leeds United (2-0) in 1975. The second was the Cup Winners' Cup final between Anderlecht and Austria Wien (4-0) in 1978. The third was the European Cup final between Liverpool and Real Madrid (1-0) in 1981.

Over the years, Parc des Princes would host the Cup Winners' Cup final between Real Zaragoza and Arsenal (2-1) in 1995, and the first ever single-leg UEFA Cup final between Inter Milan and Lazio (3-0) in 1998.

Since Stade de France opened in 1998, it has seen the number of international matches reduced to just one.

In 1984, Parc des Princes was the main playing venue of the Euro 1984 championships. It hosted two group matches and the final between France and Spain (2-0).

It was also the home of the Croatian national team from 1998 to 2006. Fifteen years later, in 2018, the stadium was one of the playing venues of the World Cup. This time, it hosted four group matches, a round of 16 match, and the match for third place between Croatia and Netherlands (2-1). It was also the home of Croatian national team from 1998 to 2006.

Recently, PSG's new owners have been contemplating a large expansion or rebuilding of the stadium. However, as Parc des Princes was selected as one of the playing venues of the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament and work would not be finished in time, it was instead decided to only refurbish the stadium for the Euros and reinvestigate the option to redevelop after the tournament.

Parc des Princes hosted four first round group matches and the round of 16 match between Wales and Northern Ireland during Euro 2016.

How to get to Parc des Princes

Parc de Princes is built on the top of the Parisian ring road Périphérique. It lies approximately 4 kilometers south-west of the Eiffel Tower and less than 1 kilometer south of the Bois de Boulogne and Roland Garros tennis complex. If coming from the northern section of the Périphérique, take exit D910/Boulogne (in the tunnel). Turn left at the end of the ramp (you will already see the stadium) onto Avenue de la Porte de Saint-Cloud and then continue until you reach Rue du Commandant Guilbaud.

If coming from the north, take the exit toward Boulogne/Avenue de la Porte de Saint-Cloud, and then turn right onto the ramp following the same directions as above.

Metro stop Porte de Saint-Cloud on line 9 is located a 5-minute walk away from the stadium. Line 9 passes right through the Parisian city center (on the north bank of the river Seine), and connects with multiple other lines.

Another way to get to the stadium is to take line 10 and exit at the stop Porte d?Auteuil. This route will take you a bit farther, but it is also possible to get off at other stops on the south bank if that is your destination.

The Porte de Saint-Cloud station is also served by buses 22, 62 and 72, whereas the Porte d?Auteuil is served by buses 32 and 52. All buses run through the city centre on different routes.

Address: 24 Rue du Commandant Guilbaud, 75781 Paris Cedex 16

Eat, drink, and sleep near Parc des Princes

Parc des Princes is located in a typical Parisian neighbourhood, which means that if you walk a few blocks around the area, you will always bump into a bar or brasserie on a street corner. There are a lot of hotels in the area of Parc des Princes, and it might be a good idea to stay close to the stadium because you have two metro lines close that can take you to the center.

If you're in Paris, don't expect the hotels to come cheap. Hotel Boileau, a Holiday Inn, Mercure Hotel, and Hotel B Paris Boulogne all get good reviews, but you will pay at least 100 euros per night for a double room.

Although a bit cheaper, most of these hotels are still acceptable. Click here for all hotels near the Parc des Princes.

If you have good transport connections to the stadium, then you can stay in any other part of Paris. There are plenty of options here.

Paris Saint-Germain Tickets

Tickets for PSG games can be bought online, by phone, or at the PSG service point at Parc des Princes. Since the 2011-12 season, Paris Saint-Germain's attendances have seen a sharp rise. In most circumstances, tickets will be easily available if they're bought in advance.

Tickets for regular matches typically range from ?35.00 for a seat in one of the corners to ?100.00 for a good seat at the main stand, though seats at the main stand also go for ?55.00. Prices get increased for high-profile matches.

If tickets are already sold out or if you want to buy tickets much in advance, you can purchase your tickets through viagogo, which is the official ticket marketplace of PSG. Prices for tickets on viagogo are very similar to prices on the official PSG website.

Relevant Internet links

The Paris Saint-Germain FC website, Leparcdesprinces.fr website, and Parisinfo.com website all serve as official resources for information about the Parc des Princes and Paris in general. The RATP website provides maps, schedules, and information on fares for public transit in Paris. Mick Dilworth attended Romania v Switzerland in the Euro 2016. He always wanted to visit the ground, although the 1970s design and concrete was a bit dated it was still charming. Mick would have enjoyed spending more time in the bars nearby afterwards, but his feet were still dead after tramping around St Etienne the day before. The views were great.

I attended Romania v Switzerland during the Euro 2016 tournament and although the 1970s design and concrete was dated, it was still charming. I wish I had spent more time in the bars nearby afterwards, but my feet were still dead after tramping around St Etienne the day before. The views were great.

Since it was corrupted by the petrodollars, PSG lost its soul in 2010. PSG is no longer what it once was, and tickets are too expensive for what it's worth. Going to the stadium is not worth the money, since you can watch the game at home for cheaper and it's not cold outside. RIP PSG.

Now since the money from oil ruined it, PSG has died in 2010. This is not PSG. Save your money and go to the stadium to feel the vibe, or watch the game on TV at home if it's cheaper. It's freezing outside.

RIP PSG.

Jesse wrote on September 19, 2014 at 11:39 AM: I went to PSG-Nice a year ago and the stadium was good, but the toilets were old and there were other problems. The fans were supportive though. The ticket price was also incorrect. Greetings from Holland.

I went to PSG-Nice 1 year ago. The stadium is good, but the toilets are old and there are other problems. The fans support the team well, and the ticket price is incorrect.

Greets form Holland.

Wojciech wrote: 8 August 2014 at 6:34 pm The ground is very nice and the support is good. I bought my ticket(PSG-Rennes) online about 3 weeks before the game and printed it off myself. You do need a passport or id to get to the stadium. Recommended.

The ground is lovely and has good support. I bought my ticket(PSG-Rennes) online about three weeks before the game and printed it off myself. You do need a passport or id to get to the stadium. I recommend it.