So far, matches of the Bordeaux club have been one of the few events still exempt from parking fees. But that exception is no longer the case. Starting from August 2025, the Metropolis of Bordeaux, which has become the owner of the stadium, has decided to standardize the pricing policy.
From now on, any event gathering over 25,000 spectators — concerts, international competitions, or big matches — will be subject to this rate. “This pricing has been in effect since 2017 for high-attendance events,” reminds the community. It was first introduced during Céline Dion's concert, and then applied to the Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.
Streamlining traffic and encouraging carpooling
For Julien Cottin, director of the Atlantique stadium, this change isn’t just about economic calculations: « The main challenge of the venue remains the smooth exit after matches. By making parking paid, we fund a strengthened traffic management system and reduce waiting times. »
Thanks to this organization, the time needed to clear the parking would be halved, going from nearly two hours to less than one hour. The revenue generated also helps to finance around sixty additional staff : security, guidance, traffic, and reception.
The Metropolis justifies the decision with a twofold goal : improve security and encourage soft mobility. « It was paradoxical that parking for a single car was cheaper than a tram ticket », adds the director.
A measure extended to all major events
During the last match, about 3,000 vehicles were counted in the parking lot « P5 », which has a capacity of 7,500 spaces. The fee of 15€ will continue starting November 15 for the match France–Fiji, organized in partnership with the French Rugby Federation, as well as for the upcoming UBB–Toulouse, scheduled for March.
For now, only the Girondins de Bordeaux... still enjoy free access, except in cases of exceptional crowding.