You may have heard people boast about how they go to “Roland” every year. But who or what is this Roland, anyway? Quite simply, this upscale stadium is a pillar of world tennis and has reigned supreme over the 16th arrondissement for nearly 100 years. With no less than 24 courts spread across 12 hectares, it’s easy to get lost. Fear not, because here’s the low-down.
An international stadium
Nestled close to the Bois de Boulogne, squeezed between Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt (also known as Boulbi), the Roland-Garros Stadium is a destination in its own right. Each year between May and June, over 600,000 tennis enthusiasts from all over the world gather on its courts to try and catch that lost yellow ball in the stands – oh, and also to watch the world’s best tennis players compete in the French Open tournament.
What events are hosted at Roland Garros Stadium?
Tennis, obviously, and lots of it. But outside the tennis tournament period, the 12-hectare site doesn’t remain unused. Far from it, in fact. Other sports matches, music concerts, seminars, urban dance competitions and even comedy shows are hosted here throughout the year.
What’s the capacity?
The stadium can hold around 15,000 people.
An official venue of the Paris 2024 Olympics
Naturally, the Roland-Garros Stadium will be part of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
What Paris 2024 Olympic events will be held there?
In addition to hosting tennis and wheelchair tennis events for the Paralympic Games (from August 28 to September 8, 2024), the courts will also host boxing events. A fitting choice, as the noble art is part of the stadium’s history (Roland-Garros hosted its first boxing match in 1931, two years after the stadium opened) and made its grand comeback in 2021 with the fight between Tony Yoka and Petar Milas.
How to get tickets
If you registered before April 20 on the official ticketing platform and are lucky enough to be selected, you’ll receive an email with your individual ticket purchasing window. Otherwise, tickets to attend events will be available for purchase in late 2023 or early 2024. Be quick during this final phase of ticket sales, as they’ll be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to get to Roland Garros Stadium
During the Paris 2024 Games, Porte de Saint‑Cloud station on metro line 9 and Porte d’Auteuil station on metro line 10 will be the main transport routes for spectators to travel to the stadium. Other routes are available via metro stations including Michel-Ange Auteuil, Michel-Ange Molitor and Boulogne Jean-Jaurès.
What to do around the area
Within a few minutes of the stadium, you can reach the Bois de Boulogne or the Auteuil greenhouses botanical garden. You’ll also find beautiful house-museums nearby, such as the Maison de Balzac or the Maison La Roche, designed by Le Corbusier. Those on the hunt for culture can head to La Seine Musicale for a concert, an outdoor movie screening or an art exhibition.