2014 begins impressively in Marseille, where the very last side of Stade Vélodrome just began receiving its cover. This marks the last major phase of the famous stadium’s redevelopment.

Very few concrete prefabs are still to be installed atop Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, where the newly rethought bowl is almost complete. The west side, soon to accommodate almost 19,000 people itself, reached its highest point.

Yesterday saw the very first steel frame element mounted atop the concrete superstructure, marking the last major phase of the stadium’s conversion. The steel web already spans over three stands.

Once the fourth side is finished, the entire structure will become self-supporting, allowing for the four masts currently standing in corners of the stands. It will also be the very first time in the history of this stadium that all spectators will be seated and covered.