PARIS – The excitement is palpable as the Paris Olympics prepare to welcome athletes and fans alike to a vibrant fanzone, aptly named “Parc des Champions.” This free, unticketed venue, located in the picturesque Trocadero Gardens, will serve as a hub of celebration and entertainment during the Olympic Games. With the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, the fanzone promises a unique experience where medal winners from around the globe will showcase their achievements in a lively and informal setting.
The festivities kick off with France’s rugby sevens gold medallists taking center stage on Monday evening. Following their triumphant performance, scrum-half Antoine Dupont and his team captivated audiences with a choreographed victory dance at the Stade de France. This spirit of celebration is exactly what the fanzone aims to embody.
Martin Fourcade, president of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Commission, expressed the vision behind the fanzone. “We wanted something more intimate, less formal than a typical medal ceremony,” he said. “So we decided on this idea of a parade, or a catwalk, where every athlete will be able to express themselves, their culture, and their values.” This innovative approach allows athletes to connect with fans in a way that traditional ceremonies often do not.
The fanzone can accommodate up to 13,000 visitors daily, with entry granted on a first-come, first-served basis. This accessibility sets it apart from other hospitality venues, where entry can cost over a hundred dollars. Here, fans can celebrate their heroes without the financial burden, making it a truly inclusive event.
Entertainment at the fanzone will be diverse and dynamic. Drag dancers will bring a sports-themed “voguing” ball to the Trocadéro stage, while a contemporary ballet troupe, featuring 40 dancers dressed in unisex black kilts, will perform extracts from the renowned Swan Lake, choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj. Voguing, a dance style that originated in the African American LGBT communities of Harlem, is characterized by angular body movements and striking poses, adding a unique flair to the festivities.
The Trocadero Gardens have already played a significant role in the Olympic celebrations, serving as the backdrop for key moments during the opening ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries enjoyed a prime view of Celine Dion’s performance at the Eiffel Tower, further solidifying the location’s status as a central hub for the Games.
Hosting the fanzone on its opening night will be retired New Zealand rugby star Dan Carter, with a lineup of subsequent hosts that includes French-American basketball legend Tony Parker, U.S. track and field icon Carl Lewis, and tennis great Serena Williams. Carter emphasized the importance of this concept, stating, “To have a concept like this where the Olympic champions can come and interact with the fans is something really unique and really special, not just for the fans… but also for the athletes.”
In addition to the festivities, athletes and their families will enjoy a luxurious experience in a dedicated Louis Vuitton lounge. They will be pampered by Sephora makeup artists and treated to Hennessy drinks, courtesy of LVMH’s sponsorship of the Paris Games. However, the cognac may not be available to all attendees, as some of the Olympians set to participate include young athletes like 14-year-old women’s skateboard gold medallist Coco Yoshizawa from Japan and 15-year-old silver medallist Liz Akama.
The fanzone will operate daily from July 29 to August 10, 2024, with the exception of July 30 and August 2 to 4. Opening hours will be from 4 PM to 11:30 PM, allowing fans ample time to enjoy the festivities. Each day will feature a DJ set to welcome attendees, followed by an opening show at 5:30 PM, a celebration of medal-winning athletes at 5:45 PM, and live broadcasts of the grand finals from 7 PM to 11 PM.
Throughout the event, a legendary athlete will be present each day, ensuring that fans have the opportunity to meet their heroes. The programming is designed to celebrate a variety of sports, with different disciplines highlighted each day. For instance, on the opening day, ten sports will be celebrated, including fencing, judo, rugby, and swimming.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw closer, the anticipation for the fanzone continues to build. It promises to be a vibrant celebration of athletic achievement, culture, and community, allowing fans to engage with their favorite athletes in a way that is both memorable and meaningful. The Parc des Champions is set to become a focal point of the Olympic experience, where the spirit of the Games will come alive in the heart of Paris.
With the combination of artistic performances, athlete interactions, and the stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the fanzone is poised to create lasting memories for all who attend. As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, excitement is mounting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.
Source: Reuters
