AS Saint-Etienne is set to reopen the balconies of the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium for their highly anticipated match against Paris Saint-Germain on March 29, 2025, marking this as an experimental move by the club. This decision, made jointly with Saint-Etienne Métropole, aims to accommodate more supporters and boost the home advantage against the current leaders of the French championship, who are yet to lose any matches this season.
The matchup against PSG, known for attracting large crowds, will feature the reopening of the Charles-Paret and Jean-Snella stands, areas which have been closed since the 2023-2024 season due to security concerns. The club has stated, "Les balcons du stade Geoffroy-Guichard vont rouvrir le 29 mars prochain lors du match face au PSG," which translates to the reopening of stands as part of their experimental initiative.
To help facilitate this reopening, AS Saint-Etienne has implemented various technical adjustments to the stadium’s infrastructure and enhanced security measures, including the deployment of additional security agents. This decision is part of the club's broader strategy not only to satisfy the undeniable demand for seating during significant matches but also to create a safe environment for all spectators.
Despite the excitement surrounding the clash against PSG, the club has important fixtures to focus on before hosting the capital side. The team is scheduled to compete against Le Havre on March 9 and Montpellier on March 16, both of which are pivotal games as they navigate their way through the current Ligue 1 season. This upcoming stretch is viewed as decisive for their efforts to maintain their league status.
Historically, matches against PSG guarantee filled stadiums, and AS Saint-Etienne is aiming for this tradition to continue. The club has enjoyed success and intense fan support through the years, especially when facing off against high-caliber teams like PSG. Recent social media discussions even point to other teams' concerns about missing out on opportunities, with one tweet humorously asserting, "L’ASSE perd son atout numéro 1 au pire moment," or “the ASSE loses its number one asset at the worst time,” highlighting the significance of their fan engagement.
Security is another focal point of this reopening plan. The club has previously expressed concerns about access issues related to the stand balconies, particularly with their proximity to the kops—standing sections traditionally filled with die-hard supporters. The statement, "Des agents de sécurité supplémentaires seront par ailleurs déployés," implies they recognize the challenges and are taking steps to reinforce personal safety at the venue.
This match will be the first major test of the new system put in place to accommodate fans and manage the enthusiasm of the crowd effectively. While the reopening is experimental, there is hope among fans and club officials alike for its success. The outcomes can lead to long-term openings of the stands if implemented correctly.
Overall, the league run is intense, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for AS Saint-Etienne as they approach the match against the giants of Paris. Every point counts, particularly as they strive for survival within Ligue 1. Matching against PSG not only offers the thrill of competition but serves as a barometer for the team's aspirations going forward.
The anticipation surrounding the return of the stands for this fixture on March 29 adds to the overall excitement. It’s not just about the match; it’s about community and legacy. AS Saint-Etienne fans eagerly await the day when they can unite and support their team against the formidable Parisian side, hoping to become the first team this season to defeat them.