The 28th matchday of Ligue 2 saw generally solid attendance figures, though the impact of disciplinary action against AS Saint-Étienne noticeably affected overall numbers. Despite the challenges, the league is on track to surpass 2 million total spectators for the 2025-2026 season, a testament to the growing interest in France’s second tier of professional football.
Paul-Lignon Packed as Rodez Continues Unbeaten Run
The Stade Paul-Lignon in Rodez was the standout venue of the weekend, boasting the highest attendance and occupancy rate. A crowd of 6,399 filled the stadium, representing a remarkable 95% capacity, to witness Rodez AF extend their impressive unbeaten streak to 13 matches against SC Bastia. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the club’s motto of “Ensemble, c’est tout” – Together, it’s everything – and the strong connection between the team and its supporters.
the average stadium occupancy for the weekend’s matches reached 61%, a significant increase compared to the season average of approximately 55%. However, the closure of the Kop Sud stand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Étienne, as a result of disciplinary measures imposed by the league’s commission, undoubtedly impacted the overall attendance figures. Without a full capacity at the historic venue, the total number of spectators fell short of what it could have been.
The league has now surpassed the estimated 2 million spectator mark for the 2025-2026 season, according to data compiled by Sportune. This milestone underscores the increasing popularity of Ligue 2 and the dedication of its fan base.
Matchday 28 Attendance Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the attendance figures and occupancy rates for each match of Ligue 2’s 28th matchday:
- Saint-Étienne – Annecy = 26,003 (70%)
- Amiens – Le Mans = 11,921 (92%)
- Guingamp – Reims = 7,747 (41%)
- Troyes – Dunkerque = 7,450 (42%)
- Rodez – Bastia = 6,399 (95%)
- Laval – Grenoble = 5,373 (57%)
- Boulogne – Nancy = 4,400 (29%)
- Clermont – Red Star = 3,910 (37%)
- Pau – Montpellier = 3,478 (90%)
The wide range in attendance figures highlights the varying levels of support and stadium capacities across Ligue 2. Amiens and Le Mans, for example, demonstrated strong fan engagement with a 92% occupancy rate, even as Guingamp and Troyes struggled to attract significant crowds, with occupancy rates of just 41% and 42% respectively. These discrepancies can be attributed to a number of factors, including team performance, local rivalries, and the overall economic conditions in each city.
The impact of the Saint-Étienne sanction is particularly noteworthy. The club, historically one of the most popular in France, typically draws large crowds to Geoffroy-Guichard. The partial stadium closure undoubtedly reduced the atmosphere and limited the number of supporters able to attend the match against Annecy. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining positive relationships between clubs and league authorities to ensure a vibrant and welcoming environment for fans.
Looking ahead, Ligue 2 continues to build momentum. The league’s commitment to providing competitive football and fostering a strong sense of community is clearly resonating with supporters. The approaching 2 million spectator milestone is a significant achievement, and the league will be hoping to build on this success in the remaining matches of the season.
For fans eager to follow the action, the next round of Ligue 2 fixtures promises more exciting encounters. Keep an eye on the league’s official website for schedules, results, and updates on team news. The battle for promotion and the fight to avoid relegation are intensifying, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the 2025-2026 campaign.
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