Buying a ticket for the Groupama Stadium without looking at the seating plan is a bit like randomly choosing an airplane seat. You might end up with a clear view and an electrifying atmosphere, or find yourself behind a technical pole with a blind spot on half the field. Understanding the configuration of the stands before booking radically changes the experience, whether it’s for an Olympique Lyonnais match or a concert.
Mobile ticket required at the Groupama Stadium: what it changes for stand selection
Since September 2026, access to the stadium is gradually transitioning to a 100% mobile ticket via the OL app. The dynamic QR code replaces printed PDF tickets for most stands. The kops are temporarily exempt from this requirement.
This technical detail has a direct impact on your seat choice. If you are accompanying someone who is not comfortable with a smartphone, the areas that still allow traditional formats simplify entry. On the other hand, the stands that have already switched to all-mobile require each spectator to have their own phone with the personalized ticket loaded.
For school groups, corporate guests, or elderly individuals, this constraint can create additional queues at the entrance. Consulting the seating plan of the Groupama Stadium allows you to identify the affected stands and anticipate this step before the big day.
Stands of the Groupama Stadium: characteristics based on location
Have you ever noticed that two spectators at the same match can have completely different experiences? The reason lies in the geometry of the stadium and the function assigned to each stand.
Side stand for the best view of the game
The stands located on the long sides of the field offer a panoramic view of the entire pitch. This is the preferred location for following tactical patterns and collective movements. The rows located at mid-height offer the best compromise between proximity and viewing angle.
Seats that are too low on the sides bring you closer to the field, but the angle forces you to constantly turn your head to follow the ball from one end to the other. The highest rows provide a “TV camera” perspective, ideal for tactical analysis enthusiasts.
Stands behind the goals: atmosphere or frustration
The corners (behind each goal) are the loudest areas of the stadium. The most passionate supporters gather there. The atmosphere is unmatched during an OL match in Lyon.
The trade-off: the depth of field is reduced. When the action takes place at the opposite goal, the distance makes it difficult to perceive details. Choosing a corner is especially suitable if the atmosphere takes precedence over visual comfort.
Family stand and accessible seats
The Groupama Stadium has a stand dedicated to families. The environment is calmer, and the seats are more spaced out. For a first match with a child, this area reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises related to the noise intensity of the kops.
Match or concert at the Groupama Stadium: the seating plan changes
One point that many spectators discover too late: the stadium configuration differs depending on the type of event. For a football match, the pitch remains clear and all stands face the field. For a concert, a stage occupies part of the field, radically changing the viewing angles.
During a concert, the seats facing the stage (often a corner or a side stand) become the most sought after. The stands located behind the stage offer a view of the artists’ backs, a detail that is not always clearly indicated on the plan at the time of purchase.
Before confirming your ticket, check if the event includes a standing pit on the pitch. These seats are closer to the stage but require standing for several hours, with no assigned seat.
Concrete criteria for choosing your seat at the Groupama Stadium
The best seat depends on what you expect from the evening. Here are the criteria to consider with the plan before buying:
- Priority to visual comfort: side stand, mid-level rows (neither too low nor too high), ideal for a Ligue 1 or Champions League match.
- Priority to atmosphere: corner on the kop side, accepting a reduced viewing angle on the opposite goal. High-stakes matches are memorable there.
- Outing with children or individuals with reduced mobility: family stand or accessible seats, often located at the bottom of the side stands with easy access.
- Concert with visibility of the stage: stand facing the stage, mid-level rows. Avoid side stands that are too far off to provide a low angle.
Restricted ticketing during high-stakes matches
For certain matches (Champions League playoffs, derbies), OL applies ticketing restrictions: priority to subscribers, limited quota of tickets per person, digital tracking of tickets, and prohibition of resale outside official channels. The most sought-after stands fill up within hours.
If you are aiming for a high-attendance match, flexibility in stand choice increases your chances of getting a ticket. Fixing a single location as an absolute criterion often results in being left without a seat.
Groupama Stadium: check your placement before match day
Once the ticket is purchased, locate your access gate, your section, and your row on the plan. Each stand has its own access points, and getting the wrong gate wastes time, especially when security checks are prolonged on busy nights.
Arriving well in advance remains the most effective precaution, especially since the transition to mobile tickets can cause delays at the turnstiles. A dead phone or an outdated app is enough to block entry.
The choice of the best seat at the Groupama Stadium is not just about the ticket price. Side stand, corner, family area, concert pit: each zone serves a specific purpose. Cross-referencing the seating plan with your priorities (view, atmosphere, accessibility) before purchasing avoids disappointments once on site.
