With stadiums across Europe opening up again and with approximately 100,000 fans scheduled to attend the showpiece matches on the Cote d’Azur, the 2022 Finals Weekend in one of France’s most atmospheric cities promises to be a world-class sporting occasion.

Following the necessary rescheduling of the finals, EPCR is also working with other key stakeholders such as the LNR, the Ligue Régionale Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, RC Toulon and Provence Rugby with the objectives of promoting rugby in the region, and raising awareness of next year’s matches.

Marseille was previously in the European club spotlight when the 2010 Challenge Cup final between Cardiff Rugby and RC Toulon at the Stade Vélodrome attracted a record attendance of 48,990, however, next May will mark the first occasion that the famous stadium hosts a Heineken Champions Cup final.

Speaking at an event in Marseille today (Friday 26 November), EPCR interim Chief Executive, Anthony Lepage, said: “The journey to the Marseille finals and the possibility of precious silverware for clubs and fans starts in a fortnight’s time and while we know that France is a traditional stronghold for the great game of rugby, we believe that the city and the state-of-the-art Stade Vélodrome will be a whole new experience for many fans.

“Tickets are selling well on HeinekenChampionsCup.com and in partnership with Olympique de Marseille and the Ville de Marseille, we are confident of delivering another truly memorable finals weekend.”

Olympique de Marseille Major Events Director, Martin d’Argenlieu, said : “We are incredibly proud to be hosting such prestigious finals in our great stadium and we are looking forward to a special weekend next May.”

Since its opening in 1937, the Stade Vélodrome which is the home of French Ligue 1 club, Olympique de Marseille, has undergone several redevelopments. After hosting matches at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2007 Rugby World Cup, the stadium enhanced its reputation with a renovation in 2014 ahead of UEFA EURO 2016. Since then, there have been two Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals at the 67,000-capacity venue and over 30 other major events including a match in the Six Nations Championship.

As part of EPCR’s overall Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, the tournament organiser will be liaising with clubs, young players from the Ecole des XV and with local communities in the region throughout the season to ensure that the 2022 finals create a lasting legacy.

The new Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season gets underway with Round 1 matches on the weekend of 10/11/12 December.

2022 Marseille Finals – Stade Vélodrome
EPCR Challenge Cup final – Friday 27 May (21.00)
Heineken Champions Cup final – Saturday 28 May (17.45)

EPCR, Olympique de Marseille and the Ville de Marseille are pleased to announce that close to 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the 2022 Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals which will be staged at the Stade Vélodrome on 27/28 May next year.