A Record Crowd Steps Up for Women’s Football in Germany
A landmark attendance record was set at a women’s football club match in Germany, with a staggering 57,000 fans filling the stands at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion to cheer on visitors Bremen as they secured a place in the women’s German Cup final.
Lina Hausicke, the captain of Bremen, expressed the weight of the occasion, stating, “These are the games that stir the passion that leads you to play football since childhood. The mixture of emotions felt today is indescribable.”
As the game progressed, Bremen took an early lead, necessitating Hamburg’s Sarah Stöckmann to save the day with a dramatic equalizer, sending the game into extra time. Breaking the deadlock, goals from Sophie Weidauer and Verena Wieder led the visitors to a 3-1 victory.
Despite missing out on the cup final, Stöckmann treasured the experience, acknowledging the historical significance of the match.
“Being the first in Germany to play before such a crowd is a source of immense pride. Although it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the magic of today will not be forgotten and it felt like a true festival of football for our nation,” she said.
Ticket Demand Surges for the Cup Final
Played at the Hamburg’s iconic Volksparkstadion, this match surpassed the previous record set at the 2023 cup final and drew more spectators than the upcoming final against Bayern, which is set to take place at a smaller venue in Cologne.
While Hamburg’s women traditionally play at a smaller ground known as “Platz 6,” adjacent to where men’s Bundesliga matches are held, this encounter was a stark contrast to their usual undersold affair.
Stöckmann reflected on the normal context, “When we’re back at Platz 6, we’ll have to find inspiration from today’s experiences to carry with us.”
Still in awe, many were witnessing a professional women’s match for the first time, with ticket prices set at an accessible €9, leading to sold-out crowds well in advance despite the absence of men’s matches due to the international break.
A Thrilling Rivalry Finally Finds An Audience
The historic rivalry and local pride added another dimension to the match, featuring one of the oldest derbies in Germany. The Nordderby, a contention between HSV and Werder, attracted fans with its unique blend of tradition and familial competition.
As fans from both teams filled the stands, the electric atmosphere inside the stadium was palpable, setting the stage for a competitive and spirited game.
Bremen’s Larissa Mühlhaus, herself a product of Hamburg, felt an intense, emotional response to the occasion.
From the Edges to the Spotlight
Clubs increasingly utilize pivotal games as opportunities to hold matches in their main stadiums. However, hosting women’s games within these grand venues remains a rare occurrence despite the success of high-profile international matches, including a record-breaking crowd of 91,648 at the Camp Nou in 2022.
“The atmosphere is crucial,” shared a Hamburg supporter. “Playing in the main stadium more often would make me more inclined to watch.”
While acknowledging this as a singular achievement, FIFA data indicates the women’s game is gaining traction. The increasing popularity is matched by efforts to bolster the professional landscape, including expansions and increased salaries.
“We’ve taken a significant step towards experiencing moments like these more frequently in the future,” expressed Jobina Lahr, though aware such experiences remain rare within her career.
The match in Hamburg exemplifies the potential for women’s football to capture and inspire audiences, marking a hopeful chapter in the sport’s growth and visibility.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
