Stade Briochin is gearing up for what promises to be a historic quarter-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on February 26, 2025, at Roazhon Park, Rennes. Local officials are enthusiastic about the event, which they say marks a memorable moment for the community.
Thierry Stiefvater, deputy for sports and associative life at Saint-Brieuc, expressed excitement, noting, "It’s a special and happy moment awaiting us." This match is not just about football; it’s also about creating opportunities for young people from less privileged backgrounds to experience the thrill of such an important sporting occasion.
To make this event accessible, the municipality, along with the Côtes-d’Armor Department and the Brittany Region, has orchestrated extensive logistics to transport young fans and volunteers to the stadium. Over 500 participants, mainly youths associated with local football clubs and educational organizations, will receive tickets for free, with transportation costs funded by the Region.
"Each association will have its own bus, with youngsters supervised by educators and volunteers from the club," the municipal office confirmed. A total of twelve buses are arranged to depart at 5 PM to arrive at Roazhon Park simultaneously, ensuring safety and organization. Supporters planning to drive are advised to carpool due to limited parking spaces near the stadium.
Aside from the match itself, supporters can look forward to various activities on the esplanade of Roazhon Park, including selfie booths and penalty shooting games to keep them entertained until the kickoff at 9:10 PM. The city has also hinted at special surprises for fans attending the game, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.
The ticket sales for this eagerly awaited match opened to subscribers and club licensees on February 21, followed by general ticketing which began on February 22, 2025. The Stade Briochin made sure to offer affordable pricing, with tickets priced at €15 for behind the goals, €25 for the corners, and €35 for lateral stands, making it accessible for football enthusiasts.
The response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to buy tickets as soon as they became available. The wait was palpable among supporters, indicating the significance of this match not just for the club, but for the entire community.
Leo Yobé, a player for the Stade Briochin, reflected on the importance of this match. He recalls his past encounter with PSG when he played for Vannes. "We faced them in the 16th finals of the Coupe de France back then, and it was quite the experience. Marco Verratti stood out, and Kylian Mbappé’s performance was unforgettable as he scored a hat-trick," Yobé shared.
The upcoming match brings both excitement and realism to Stade Briochin, which is focusing on its primary goal of securing its league status. Yobé emphasized, "Our day-to-day is the championship. That’s what’s most important. We need to secure our place quickly." Despite the potential distractions posed by the match against PSG, the squad remains committed to their league obligations.
This encounter against PSG is not just another fixture; it’s viewed as both a challenging opportunity and a festive event for the community. Stiefvater and Ludovic Gouyette, vice president for youth and sports of the Department, highlighted the spirit of celebration surrounding the match, stating, "We are happy to enable as many people as possible to travel to Rennes and create a festive atmosphere around the sport." The match is seen as more than just football; it reflects the joys and celebrations of community spirit through shared experiences.
With anticipation mounting and preparations well underway, the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France represent not only competitive football but also the unity and spirit of the community, as they come together to cheer on their local team against the famed PSG.