Marseille is preparing for a landmark moment in French women’s football this Saturday as Olympique Marseille’s women’s team, typically playing at the Stade Francis-Turcan in Martigues, will make their historic debut at the iconic Orange Vélodrome. The match against Montpellier is part of a league-wide initiative aimed at boosting the profile of the Arkema Première Ligue, and early indications suggest a record crowd is on hand to witness the occasion.
More than 50,000 tickets – offered free of charge – have been reserved for the match, setting the stage for the largest attendance in the history of the Arkema Première Ligue. This event is part of “Au Stade pour Elles,” a league-wide initiative spearheaded by the Ligue Féminine de Football Professionnel (LFFP) that sees all six league matches played this weekend hosted in major stadiums across France. It’s a first for the league, signaling a concerted effort to elevate the visibility of women’s football.
A Symbolic Gesture at the Vélodrome
Olympique Marseille has gone beyond simply opening the doors of its famed stadium. In a gesture designed to welcome and inspire the team ahead of this pivotal match, the club replaced the traditional “Marseille” inscription on seats in one of the Vélodrome’s tribunes with “Les Marseillaises,” a tribute to the players themselves. It’s a minor but significant detail that underscores the club’s commitment to its women’s program.
The Vélodrome: A Stadium Steeped in History
The Orange Vélodrome, officially Stade Vélodrome, is more than just a venue; it’s a symbol of footballing passion in France. Opened in 1937, the stadium has a capacity of 67,394, making it the second-largest stadium in the country, behind the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The stadium has hosted significant international events, including matches during the 1938 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 1960, 1984, and 2016 UEFA European Championships. Most recently, it was a venue for the 2007 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and will host football matches during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Vélodrome has been the home of Olympique de Marseille since its inception, and the atmosphere within its walls is renowned for its intensity. The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2014, modernizing the facilities while preserving its unique character. The pitch itself is a hybrid surface of natural grass and synthetic fibers, known as AirFibr, designed to provide optimal playing conditions.
The Arkema Première Ligue and the Push for Growth
The decision to host matches in larger stadiums is a strategic move by the LFFP to attract new fans and increase the overall profile of the Arkema Première Ligue. While attendance figures for women’s football have been steadily growing in recent years, they still lag behind those of the men’s game. This initiative aims to demonstrate the potential for larger crowds and generate greater interest in the league.
The success of Saturday’s match at the Vélodrome could have a ripple effect throughout the league, encouraging other clubs to explore opportunities to play in larger venues. It also provides a valuable platform for the players to showcase their talent and inspire the next generation of female footballers. For fans unfamiliar with the league, this weekend offers a perfect opportunity to experience the quality and excitement of the Arkema Première Ligue firsthand.
What’s Next for Olympique Marseille?
Following Saturday’s historic match against Montpellier, Olympique Marseille will continue their Arkema Première Ligue campaign. The team will be looking to build on the momentum generated by this event and continue their push for a top spot in the league standings. Details regarding their next fixture will be announced on the club’s official website, orangevelodrome.com.
The match at the Vélodrome isn’t just about one game; it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter future for women’s football in France. The league and the club are hoping that this event will not only attract a large crowd on Saturday but also cultivate a loyal fanbase that will support the team for years to arrive.
