A fan’s guide – the club from early doors to today
Football in Dijon dates back to 1903 but the local professional game is a modern construct, the result of the merger between Cercle Football Dijonnais and Dijon Football Club in 1998, and the promotion of the newly formed Dijon Football Côte-d’Or to Ligue 2 six years later.
Coach Rudi Garcia, later of Roma and Marseille, then almost continued his winning streak with a second promotion for DFCO but when it did come, it came under ex-Sunderland defender Patrice Carteron in 2011 – and too soon. Dijon only lasted one season.
A second stint in Ligue 1 has been equally fragile, goalkeeping errors by visitors Lens allowing les Rouges to save face and status with a relegation play-off win in 2019.
Ligue 2 is probably Dijon’s natural habitat – but, obviously, Rouges fans probably don’t see it that way.
Stadium Guide
The field of dreams – and the stands around it
Expanded to its current 15,460 capacity after a two-stage rebuild stretching over a decade, the Stade Gaston-Gérard is a sea of red when les Rouges stride out, les Téméraires (‘The Reckless!’) fans in the Tribune Rougeot behind the north goal, Lingon’s Boys in the Tribune Dijon Céréales unwaving their huge banner behind the south goal.
Visiting supporters are placed in the two sectors of the Tribune Ouest/DORAS nearest the south goal, A/B.
getting there
Going to the stadium – tips and timings
From right outside Dijon-Ville station, tramway 1 runs every 10-15mins to Parc des Sports (9 stops, 15mina) by the stadium, skirting the city centre.
getting in
Buying tickets – when, where, how and how much
Most sales are online, either through the club or agencies such as Ticketmaster and Fnac. To buy in person, the club HQ and training ground at the Stade des Poussots (9 rue Ernest Champeaux, Mon-Fri 9am-noon, 2pm-6pm) south-east of town also distributes. It’s on the 12 bus route from Dijon station. Check with dijonfootpro@dfco.fr for availability – also concerning match days, when the windows by the main entrance will sell any remaining tickets.
Depending on the opposition, it’s around €15-€20 behind the goals, though availability will be very limited, and €30-€40 for a place in the sideline Tribunes Est and Ouest.
what to buy
Shirts, kits, merchandise and gifts
The DFCO Store (Tue-Fri, Sun 9am-noon, 2pm-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, match days) is located behind the Tribune Est/Caisse d’Epargne BFC on rue du Stade, proffering the usual range of owl-branded shirts, scarves and souvenirs – no mustard, though.
Where to Drink
Pre-match beers for fans and casual visitors
The only thing resembling a bar near the ground is La Brasserie Ace at the Tennis Club Dijon by the tramway stop, with regular dishes, wine and beer, and a bar open until the evening (except Sun). Table football, too.
At the ground, outlets operate on a cashless card system – download the app from dfco.fr/cashless. The main kiosk at the ground is behind the Tribune Nord/Rougeot, with regular beer sold by the 25cl and, in winter, hot chestnuts. If you’re lucky, there’ll be snails, too.
