How OM prepared their women’s Vélodrome debut against Montpellier | OneFootball

Marseille’s women will take to the Orange Vélodrome for the first time on Saturday at 18:30, hosting Montpellier in the 19th round of Première Ligue. The club has targeted a landmark crowd while fighting to secure top-flight survival, with a full-day programme built to make the occasion land.

Backed by shareholder Frank McCourt and the hierarchy, the women’s section devised a plan centred on opening the stadium to as many fans as possible, with large sections free. Managing director Stefano Petruzzo said the aim was a visible, unifying show of commitment to the players and the city.

Premium, paid experiences sold out within 72 hours. By Friday the club had passed 50,000 tickets issued, which will break the French attendance record for a women’s football match outside major international tournaments, set in April 2022 when Lyon won 2-1 at the Parc des Princes against PSG before 43,254.

The choice of fixture hinged on the survival stakes, a Saturday slot agreed with the League and Canal, and the international break leaving no men’s game. With spring conditions and later sunset, the club sought the ideal window to stage the event.

The day begins at 10:00 at neighbouring Stade Pierre-Delort with a youth tournament for under-eight to under-10 teams, then a fan zone on the Ganay forecourt will run before and after the match. A 360-degree campaign across media, transport and merchandising supports the push, and plans for a future Vélodrome date are already being explored.

Source: L'Équipe