A fan zone, yes, but with conditions. Just as he settles into the chair left vacant by Anne Hidalgo, Emmanuel Grégoire clearly shows his ambition: to offer Parisians a fan zone to watch the World Cup held in North America. “That would absolutely be my wish,” the mayor assured last Monday on RMC, determined to rekindle a collective enthusiasm despite the inconvenient timings for the European audience.
However, the equation is complex. Between discussions with the police prefecture and concerns about noise pollution, the location and arrangements still need to be defined. It’s impossible, for example, to consider a setup too close to residences if the matches are played in the middle of the night.
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The Puzzle of Odd Hours
It's the heart of the matter: with matches scheduled at midnight, 3 AM, or even 5 AM French time, it's tough to picture a traditional public celebration. While some games featuring the Bleus, led by Didier Deschamps, will be available in the evening, a good portion of the competition will take place while Paris is fast asleep.
As a result: the fan zone, if it comes to life, will have to juggle these unusual hours. And it will need to navigate a strict security framework in a "climate" that even the mayor acknowledges is sensitive.
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No more sleepless nights for the bars
Another point that might disappoint supporters: Parisian bars won't be able to extend their late-night hours. With very specific exceptions, late openings won't be allowed.
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A decision aimed at limiting disruptions and preserving the peace of residents, but it might also dampen the festive atmosphere. We'll have to see if any alternative solutions will arise to allow fans to fully enjoy the competition.