Our series starts with Sébastien, site engineer on the Stade Vélodrome Marseille site and devoted fan of his team—Olympique de Marseille.

A native of Marseille, Sébastien can still remember how happy he was when he found out that he would be supervising the external improvements to the Stade Vélodrome, the home of Olympique de Marseille (OM), the city's football team. “I grew up as an OM supporter. Going to matches is a tradition in the family.”

What improvements has the renovation brought? First, the stadium’s looks and accessibility: “The structural works have really given the stadium a facelift and made it one of the finest in Europe”. The roof also offers real comfort, protecting the spectators from the wind and rain which used to swirl between the stands. “It was very unpleasant to feel the mistral, a strong, cold wind.” But more than anything else, Sébastien appreciates the new atmosphere in the stadium. “You can hear the fans' singing better, it’s more impressive now.”