The construction of Stade Michel d’Ornano lasted from December 1991 until June 1993. It was one of the earliest new stadiums constructed in the 1990s, and it took the position of Stade de Venoix as Caen’s home field. It cost $22.7 million to build the new stadium.
On June 6, 1993, SM Caen and Bayern Munich played a friendly match at the brand-new Stade Michel d’Ornano, and Caen won 4-1.
The French national football team has played a few internationals there throughout the years.
The stadium’s green seats were replaced with blue ones in 2016 as part of a small renovation project.
History of Stade Michel d’Ornano
In 1988, it was decided that Stade de Venoix was too outdated for Caen and that a new stadium should be constructed there. Before construction could begin in March 1991, a site had to be selected, the building’s final capacity determined, and a design competition held. Michel d’Ornano, a prominent politician and businessman, passed unexpectedly just a week before the event. The new stadium was quickly renamed in his honor.
In May of 1993, after spending an enormous amount of money at the time (FRF 194 million), construction was completed. This is significant, especially in light of the fact that the initial prediction for the cost was $54 million. After the tragic event at Furiani, all terraces were outlawed, reducing the capacity from about 24,000 to roughly 21,000.
This is a public facility; hence, other clubs besides Stade Malherbe Caen played here on occasion in addition to US Quevilly. The regular and U19 French national teams have also played here, and in 1998, England used the facility to prepare for the World Cup.
How to get to Stade Michel d’Ornano?
Towards the city’s eastern edge, around 2.5 kilometers from the city center and 4 kilometers from the major train station, stands Stade Michel d’Ornano.
It takes a little over half an hour to walk there from the eastern section of the city center. From downtown St. Pierre Square, you can also take bus 8 to the stadium. Ride the bus bound for Beaulieu Brazza and alight at the Stade d’Ornano stop. If you’re coming from the downtown area, you may alternatively take bus 2 in the direction of Venoix Gallieni and alight at the terminal stop Gallieni.
To reach St. Pierre in the city center from the major train station, you may either walk or take one of the many nearby buses or trams. Take bus 3 in the direction of Carpiquet, get out at Bernard Palissy, and walk to the stadium (through the Rue Claude Chappe) in around 5-10 minutes.
Caen is serviced by regular trains to nearby Rennes and Le Mans, as well as the capital city of France (Paris St Lazare station). It takes roughly 2 hours to get here from Paris.
Caen-Carpiquet Airport is the closest airport, and it’s located on the outskirts of town. The Stade Michel d’Ornano was also in close proximity to the airport-city center shuttle bus, Route 3.
The airport in Deauville is also not too far away (approximately 50 kilometers), but there is now only one Ryanair flight per week, and using public transportation from the airport to Caen takes about as long as making the trip from Paris.
Stade Michel d’Ornano is nestled in a pleasant and peaceful residential area. Caen’s charming city center is the best choice for dining and drinking. However, you could discover the odd cafe or restaurant in the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Caen, France, is home to the multi-purpose Stade Michel d’Ornano. Stade Malherbe Caen calls this stadium home, and it sees regular use for football matches. Michel d’Ornano (1924-1991), a French politician and the region’s previous president, is honored with this name. It replaced the Stade de Venoix in 1993 and can seat 20,300 spectators.