Allianz Riviera

Allianz Riviera. A jewel of the French Riviera, isn’t it? This stadium, also known as Grand Stade de Nice, replaced Nice’s old Stade Municipal du Ray. Its story is one of ambition, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph. Imagine, in 2002 and 2006, Nice had dreams of a new stadium. These dreams, however, were dashed due to financial concerns. It was the prospect of hosting Euro 2016 that breathed new life into the project. In 2010, plans were unveiled, and by August 2011, construction was underway. Two years later, in September 2013, the Allianz Riviera opened its doors. The inaugural match? A resounding 4-0 victory for Nice against Valenciennes. The stadium’s design, by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, is striking. A translucent, light outer shell complements a roof equipped with photovoltaic panels. This eco-conscious design earned it the initial name “Nice Eco Stadium”. This name, however, was short-lived. A naming rights deal with Allianz in 2012 resulted in the current name, Allianz Riviera. This modern marvel can hold 35,624 fans for football matches. This capacity expands to 44,624 for concerts, with the field open for an additional 9,000 attendees. The record attendance? A nail-biting match between Nice and St Etienne in May 2016, with 35,596 spectators. During Euro 2016, the Allianz Riviera hosted three group stage matches and a memorable round of 16 clash between England and Iceland. The stadium wasn’t just for football. The Toulon rugby club has also graced its field for select matches. The Allianz Riviera has also hosted international football matches and even concerts. Artists like Rihanna, Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, The Weeknd, Mylène Farmer, and Travis Scott have all performed within its walls. The Allianz Riviera, a testament to Nice’s sporting spirit and a symbol of the city’s future.