Three of the WSL’s six matches this weekend will take place in the clubs’ respective men’s stadiums with around 35,000 tickets sold for Arsenal’s game against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
On Sunday, Chelsea host Tottenham in front of a sell-out crowd at Stamford Bridge and Aston Villa will play their second match of the season at Villa Park against Reading.
United boss Marc Skinner said “it will be a great opportunity” to test his side in front of so many fans but said it is “becoming normal” for women to play on the big stage.
“We don’t have those venues for ourselves, but that should be in the plan for women’s football in this country.
“There is loads of interest in the game so this is a positive example. It is important we capitalise on this as a team. We want this to be the norm,” he said.
Skinner added that while ticket sales are positive they must encourage knowledge in the women’s game.
“I want it to be more than a bum on a seat, I want a brain on a seat – I want people who want to be there to support us,” he said.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “We’re so pleased that we can sell such a high number of tickets and have these high standards.”
Arsenal held the North London derby at Emirates Stadium in front of a crowd of 47,367 fans earlier this season – a WSL record.
“It was a beautiful experience and together with our fans we want to try and create the same thing again,” said Eidevall.
Following the success of the Lionesses at the summer Euros, WSL clubs reported increased interest and record sales.
Arsenal are also playing their Champions League group stage matches at Emirates and Eidevall said his side feel “more and more at home” at the larger-capacity ground with their usual matches played at Meadow Park, which holds 4,500.
“I think it’s one of our two homes and from the time I’ve been here we feel more and more that this is our platform where we’re able to share our love for Arsenal with so many more people,” the Swede said.
“To share that and to see how much energy that creates and the bond between the team and the supporters is beautiful.”