Stade Des Costières

Stade des Costières Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nîmes Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled within the culturally vibrant city of Nîmes, France, the Stade des Costières was for over three decades a modern icon amidst ancient Roman splendors. Since its inauguration in 1989, this stadium has stood not only as the home of Nîmes Olympique but as a pillar of community life, architectural innovation, and urban expansion. Designed by Vittorio Gregotti and Marc Chausse, the Stade des Costières reflected a vision to blend modern sports infrastructure with the legacy of a city renowned for its Roman history (Guide Tourism; Objectif Gard).

As of 2025, the stadium is closed and undergoing demolition, making way for the ambitious Nemausus project—a contemporary urban complex designed to integrate sports, hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces. This guide offers essential information on the former Stade des Costières, its history, visiting logistics, and the best nearby historical sites, ensuring that visitors can make the most of their time in Nîmes, a city where antiquity and modernity coexist (France 3 Régions; Nîmes Tourisme; Wikipedia).

Introduction
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Origins, Conception, and Architectural Significance
Inauguration, Sporting Legacy, and Community Role
Current Status, Redevelopment, and Future Prospects
Accessibility and Visitor Logistics
Nearby Attractions and Nîmes Historical Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visit Tips
References

1. Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

As of mid-2025, the Stade des Costières is closed to the public due to ongoing demolition and redevelopment. There are no available tours, matchday tickets, or interior access. Nîmes Olympique matches are now held at a temporary venue, Stade des Antonins, until the completion of the new Stade Nemausus complex (Nîmes Tourisme).

Tickets: No tickets are sold for Stade des Costières. For Nîmes Olympique games, visit the official club website for updated schedules, venues, and ticketing.
Current Access: The stadium site may only be viewed from public roads; trespassing is strictly prohibited.
Future Access: Upon the opening of the new Nemausus stadium (anticipated in 2026), guided tours and events will resume.

2. Origins, Conception, and Architectural Significance

Origins and Design

In the late 1980s, Nîmes sought a contemporary sports facility to complement its ancient Roman heritage. Initiated under Mayor Jean Bousquet, the Stade des Costières project aimed to revitalize the city’s southern district and provide a modern home for Nîmes Olympique (Objectif Gard).

Architects: Vittorio Gregotti & Marc Chausse
Style: English-style stands close to the pitch, enhancing spectator experience
Capacity: 18,364 seats (12,000 covered)
Auxiliary Facilities: Included sports halls in each corner, part of a wider sports complex (Guide Tourism)

Architectural Legacy

Gregotti’s vision combined modernist lines and urban sensibility, integrating the stadium within the city’s fabric and supporting Nîmes’ late 20th-century expansion. The stadium became a recognizable landmark, balancing function and form (Guide Tourism).

3. Inauguration, Sporting Legacy, and Community Role

Milestones

Inauguration: 15 February 1989, marked by a France vs. Netherlands friendly
Record Attendance: 25,051 spectators for Nîmes vs. Olympique de Marseille (1991–92 Ligue 1 season) (Stadium Guide)
Home of Les Crocos: The passionate supporters of Nîmes Olympique made the stadium a fortress and a hub of local pride

Community Role

For over three decades, Stade des Costières was more than a sports venue—it was a gathering place for festivals, concerts, community events, and local sports clubs. Its closure has sparked debate about preserving public spaces that foster civic identity (Objectif Gard).

4. Current Status, Redevelopment, and Future Prospects

Demolition and the Nemausus Project

By 2025, the stadium was no longer fit for modern standards. The city, together with Nîmes Olympique’s leadership, opted to demolish Stade des Costières in favor of the Nemausus urban complex (Midi Libre; France 3 Régions).

Nemausus Project Features:

15,000-seat stadium with a focus on atmosphere
Four-star hotel overlooking the pitch
Rooftop bar and restaurants
Office spaces, fitness center
Residential district for ~1,000 inhabitants
Retail, co-working, higher education, and leisure facilities

This privately financed €250 million project aims to transform southern Nîmes into a vibrant urban hub, blending sport, business, and daily life.

Community and Sporting Continuity

To support displaced sports clubs, a new multi-sport hall is planned nearby, safeguarding the area’s sporting ecosystem during the stadium’s transition (France 3 Régions).

5. Accessibility and Visitor Logistics

Location and Transport

Address: 123 Avenue de la Bouvine, southern Nîmes
Distance from City Center: ~2 km; 25–30 min walk from Nîmes train station
Public Transport: Bus line I and Trambus T1 (Costières stop) (Stadium Guide)
Car: Parking available, though not regularly maintained during construction

Visitor Tips

Photography: Only exterior shots possible; do not enter the site
Amenities: All facilities, including restrooms and concessions, are closed
Safety: The area is under redevelopment; adhere to local signage

6. Nearby Attractions and Nîmes Historical Sites

Nîmes offers a wealth of Roman and cultural attractions within easy reach of the stadium site:

Arènes de Nîmes: One of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres
Maison Carrée: Pristine Roman temple in the city center
Jardins de la Fontaine: Scenic gardens built around ancient Roman ruins
Musée de la Romanité: Modern museum with Roman artifacts (Trek Zone)
Musée des Beaux-Arts: Fine arts museum (~29 min walk)
Porte de France: Roman gate (~30 min walk)
Stade Nautique Nemausa: Aquatic center (5 min walk)
Space Bowling, Bloc Session Climbing Gym, Aquatropic Water Park: Nearby leisure options (Tourisme Gard)

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Stade des Costières open to visitors?
A: No, the stadium is closed for demolition and redevelopment. Access is limited to exterior views.

Q: How can I attend Nîmes Olympique matches?
A: Matches are held at Stade des Antonins. Visit the Nîmes Olympique website for current ticketing and schedules.

Q: What is the status of the new Nemausus stadium?
A: Scheduled for completion in 2026, with a focus on modern amenities, accessibility, and vibrant atmosphere.

Q: What are the best nearby sites to visit?
A: The Arena of Nîmes, Maison Carrée, Jardins de la Fontaine, and Musée de la Romanité are top destinations.

Q: How do I get to the stadium site?
A: Use bus line I or Trambus T1, or walk from the city center (25–30 min).

8. Conclusion and Visit Tips

While Stade des Costières no longer welcomes crowds, its legacy endures in the city’s collective memory and ongoing urban renewal. The stadium’s story is one of innovation, community, and the blending of antiquity and modernity that defines Nîmes. As the Nemausus complex rises, the area will continue to symbolize the city’s embrace of both its Roman roots and its dynamic future (Guide Tourism; France 3 Régions).

Visitor Tips:

Explore Nîmes’ Roman sites and museums for a full historical experience.
Use public transport or enjoy a walk to the stadium area.
Follow official channels and apps like Audiala for updates on the new stadium and city attractions.

9. References and Further Reading

For the latest information on attractions, transport, and events in Nîmes, download the Audiala app and follow our social channels. Enhance your trip with interactive maps, virtual tours, and timely updates on Nîmes’ evolving urban landscape.