Here, beside Galeries Lafayette Marseille you find Allée Ray Grassi. This street bears the name of a man who left his mark on Marseille. But who was Ray Grassi and why is this alley named in his honor?
Allée Ray Grassi is located in the 8th arrondissement. It is part of the Centre Commercial Prado. This shopping center hosts the Galeries Lafayette.
The Galeries Lafayette are open from Monday to Saturday. You can visit them between 10 AM and 8 PM. On Sundays the Galeries Lafayette and Allée Ray Grassi are closed.
But let’s delve into the story behind the name of Allée Ray Grassi. Unfortunately available sources do not offer much information on Ray Grassi himself. We know he was a boxer. The north curve of the Vélodrome stadium was once named after Ray Grassi. This stadium also carries the name Orange Vélodrome due to a naming contract since 2016.
The Stade Vélodrome is a major sports venue in Marseille. It is located in the 8th arrondissement. It is near the Saint-Giniez neighborhood. The stadium is home to Olympique de Marseille. It has been since its inauguration in 1937.
Originally holding 35000 places, the stadium has expanded over the years. It hosted cycling events and rugby matches. By 1998 the stadium reached 60000 seats for the FIFA World Cup. In preparation for the UEFA Euro 2016, it expanded to 67394 seats.
The decision to name a part of the stadium after Ray Grassi speaks volumes. It highlights his significance in Marseille’s sporting history. Though the curve is now named Virage Nord Patrice-de-Peretti, Grassi is not forgotten.
The stadium is more than just a sports venue. It has hosted concerts by global stars. These include The Rolling Stones and Céline Dion. It has also been a site for political rallies and even a mass vaccination center. In 2023, Pope Francis held a mass there.
The stadium is easily accessible by public transport. The metro line 2 has two nearby stations. These are Sainte-Marguerite Dromel and Rond-Point du Prado.
So as you stroll along Allée Ray Grassi, remember the boxer. Ray Grassi’s legacy lives on. He embodies the spirit of Marseille’s sporting heritage. Though details of his life may be scarce, his name remains a part of Marseille’s identity.