Already a big announcement for the OM reception?

AS Saint-Étienne is preparing to welcome Olympique de Marseille on December 8 in a potentially full Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. However, the opening of the balconies closed for several months raises questions crucial security questions that the club must resolve before this gala poster.

A season marked by sold-outs

After a year 2024 rich in affluences records during the return to Ligue 1, notably against RC Lens, ASSE hopes to close the year in apotheosis with a “real sold out” against Marseille. However, the security issues encountered last season, such as the cardiac arrest in the Kop Nord against VAFC, forced the club to close the balconies of the kops to avoid exceeding the maximum capacity.

Find a lasting solution

For months, ASSE has been collaborating with Saint-Étienne Métropole to reopen balconies safely. A solution is being tested for a full-scale experiment against OM. However, doubt still remains regarding the opening of the entire stadium, which would make it possible to reach 42,000 spectators. Initially, the balconies should not be put up for sale, but the objective remains to open them for this prestigious meeting.

Additional aspects

Beyond the security issue, l’affluence record for this shock against Marseille would represent a symbolic closed window for ASSE, confirming its return to the highest level. The club will, however, have to convince the authorities that all measures have been taken to guarantee the safety of supporters.