Stade Maurice Dufrasne (Liège)

Stade Maurice Dufrasne, home of Standard Liege

Stade Maurice Dufrasne, often referred to as Stade de Sclessin, is a historic and passionate football stadium located in Liège, Belgium. Situated on the banks of the river Meuse, it is the long-standing home of Royal Standard de Liège, one of Belgium’s most successful and popular football clubs.

Known for its fervent support and intimidating atmosphere on match days, Stade Maurice Dufrasne is a cornerstone of Belgian football. This guide provides essential information for visiting the stadium, understanding its rich history, and planning your event experience.

History of Stade Maurice Dufrasne

Stade Maurice Dufrasne has a storied history dating back to its opening in 1909. Initially a modest pitch, it quickly evolved with the construction of stands and facilities. The ground was purchased by Standard Liège in 1923, and since then, it has undergone numerous redevelopments to become the impressive stadium it is today. It is named after Maurice Dufrasne, a former chairman of Standard Liège who played a pivotal role in the club’s early development.

The stadium saw significant expansions in the 1970s, reaching a peak capacity of around 43,000. It was also one of the venues for the Euro 1972 championships, hosting the third-place match. Major renovations in the late 1990s, in preparation for UEFA Euro 2000, transformed it into an all-seated, modern facility. During Euro 2000, Stade Maurice Dufrasne hosted three group stage matches. The stadium continues to be a symbol of Standard Liège’s enduring legacy and the passion of its supporters.

Key Information

Official Name: Stade Maurice Dufrasne (also known as Stade de Sclessin)
Location: Rue de la Centrale 2, 4000 Sclessin, Liège, Belgium Established: 1909
Capacity: 27,670
Home Team: Royal Standard de Liège

Ticketing Information for Stade Maurice Dufrasne Events

Tickets for matches and events at Stade Maurice Dufrasne are primarily sold through the official channels of Royal Standard de Liège. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets directly from authorized sources.

How to Purchase Tickets:

  • Standard Liège Official Ticketing: The primary source for match tickets is the official Royal Standard de Liège website. Visit their “Ticketing” section for information on upcoming fixtures, availability, and purchasing options: Standard Liège Ticketing.
  • Club Memberships/Season Tickets: Becoming a club member or purchasing a season ticket is often the best way to secure seats for Standard Liège matches, especially high-demand games. Members usually receive priority access and potential discounts.
  • Venue Box Office: On match days, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase directly at the stadium’s physical ticket office. However, for popular matches, it’s advisable to purchase in advance online.
  • Hospitality: For a premium experience, Standard Liège offers various hospitality packages, including VIP seating and catering. Information can typically be found on the club’s official website.
  • Resale Platforms: Be cautious when using unofficial resale platforms. If considering a resale ticket, use reputable platforms like StubHub, but always be aware of potential risks.

Important Ticketing Considerations:

  • Demand: Matches involving Standard Liège, particularly against rivals or in European competitions, often have high demand. Purchasing tickets well in advance is strongly recommended.
  • Identity Validation: For some matches or ticket types, identity validation might be required to purchase tickets. Check the club’s ticketing guidelines.
  • Print-at-Home/Mobile Tickets: Ensure you have your tickets readily accessible on your mobile device or printed out before arriving at the stadium for faster entry.
  • Conditions of Entry: Familiarise yourself with the stadium’s Conditions of Entry, which cover prohibited items and general stadium rules, to ensure a smooth and safe entry process.
  • Arrive Early: Gates typically open well before kick-off. Arriving early allows time for security checks, finding your seat, and soaking in the pre-match atmosphere.

Getting to Stade Maurice Dufrasne

Stade Maurice Dufrasne is located in the Sclessin district, approximately 5 kilometres southwest of Liège city centre and 3.5 kilometres from Liège-Guillemins railway station. Public transport is a convenient option.

1. By Air:

  • Liège Airport (LGG): A regional airport located approximately 10-15 minutes drive from the stadium.
  • Brussels Airport (BRU): Belgium’s main international airport, about an hour’s train journey from Liège-Guillemins.

2. By Public Transport:

Liège’s public transport network (TEC) provides good connections to the stadium.

  • Train: The closest major train station is Liège-Guillemins. From there, you can take a bus or tram to the stadium.
  • Bus/Tram: Several TEC bus lines (e.g., 2, 3, 9, 27, 58) serve the stadium area from Liège-Guillemins station. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Look for stops like “SCLESSIN Standard” or “Rue de la Barge.” The Liège tram network also has a stop at “SCLESSIN Standard.”
  • Planning Your Journey: Use the TEC website (letec.be) or a public transport planner like Moovit for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

3. By Car & Parking:

Driving to Stade Maurice Dufrasne is possible, but parking can be limited on match days.

  • Stadium Location: The stadium is located on the west bank of the river Meuse.
  • Parking: Limited parking may be available in the vicinity of the stadium. On match days, certain roads around the stadium might be closed or have restricted access. It’s advisable to check the Standard Liège website for specific matchday parking information.
  • Recommendation: Due to the central location and good public transport links, using buses or trams from Liège-Guillemins station is often the most convenient way to reach the stadium on event days.

Important Travel Notes:

  • Arrive Early: On match days, the area around the stadium can be very busy. Arriving well in advance allows time for travel, parking, and security checks.
  • Check Standard Liège Website: Always refer to the official Royal Standard de Liège website for the most up-to-date travel advice, parking details, and public transport information for specific events.

Where to Stay Near Stade Maurice Dufrasne

Liège offers a range of accommodation options, with many hotels located in the city centre, providing good access to both the stadium and other city attractions.

1. Hotels in Liège City Centre (Closest to Main Station/Attractions):

Staying in the city centre provides a wide array of choices and easy access to Liège’s cultural sites, dining, and nightlife.

2. Hotels in Surrounding Areas:

For those seeking a quieter stay or with a car, options slightly outside the immediate city centre are available.

  • Pros: Potentially more relaxed atmosphere, may offer parking more easily.
  • Examples:
    • Campanile Liege Luik: Located closer to the highway.
    • Consider hotels in nearby cities like Maastricht (Netherlands) or Aachen (Germany) for a different experience, both about a 30-minute train journey away.

Booking Tips:

  • Book in Advance: Especially during major events or peak tourist season, hotels in Liège can fill up quickly.
  • Consider Your Itinerary: Decide if proximity to the stadium or access to city amenities is more important for your stay.
  • Check Reviews: Use reputable booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to compare options and read recent guest reviews.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit

Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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