Well known for its steep banks of seats and the surrounding noise of 50,000 fans that encapsulate the ground, it seems as if Mestalla’s days are numbered. The Nou Mestalla – which first went under construction 16 years ago – was destined to be Valencia’s new stomping ground back in 2007, though delays have caused their famous old stadium to be home for that bit longer. Forget the Parc des Princes in Paris. Initially erected in the 1930s, the Stade Velodrome – home of Marseille – remains the largest club football ground in France. The smooth shape of the roof cover adds a sprinkle of unlikeness to the stadium’s clever design and enhances another aspect of the ground: the elevating sound of the match-goers.
