For the basketball group stages at the Olympics, head to Lille, in the north of France. The French team, both women’s and men’s, won their first matches in a packed and particularly excited Pierre Mauroy stadium. A crazy atmosphere in the stadium and a city that lives to the rhythm of basketball.
From our special correspondent in Lille,
The Grand-Place in Lille and a basketball court set up for the Olympic Games. Many tourists set down their suitcases at the edge of the court to play a match. Dany waits his turn: ” People, when we talk about the North, they see the rain. There, it’s nice, there’s good weather to welcome this basketball which is global and which pleases everyone. There, there’s the American team which is housed in Lille, it’s nice, it’s crazy. »
Lille is expecting more than a million visitors over the entire Games period. Joachim, with an NBA jersey on his shoulders, is very proud that his city is welcoming the world: ” We have people from all walks of life, from almost all countries, who come here, especially for this, it allows for an exchange. We are very happy to welcome them and it goes well.. »
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The Olympics, between massive sales of jerseys and an electric atmosphere in the stadium
Joachim and his friends start their match, under the impressed eyes of Emma, an English tourist: ” It’s good for the economy and I think it’s very important that the whole country benefits from these Games.. »
Jérémie, manager of a basketball store in Lille, explains: “ For example, on Saturday, the first day of the Olympics, I made three times the turnover of a normal Saturday. I expected people, but I didn’t expect so many people, it’s really going to be beneficial for the store.. »
A store packed from morning to night. Result: almost no jerseys left available even though the Games are not over. My brother-in-law is arriving in Lille this afternoon, I’m looking for a Wembanyama France jersey for him, I’ve tried everything, but a prioriit’s hard to find ! “, says a tourist. He laughs: ” Sorry mate, but you’re probably gonna get a Spurs jersey. [équipe de basket de San Antonio, aux États-Unis, dans laquelle joue Victor Wembanyama] “.
All these jerseys are not far away: 20 minutes away by special Olympic shuttle is the Pierre Mauroy stadium and there, there are jerseys everywhere. Elsa, official supporter and made up in blue white red, accompanies the fans: “We are in a square of a hundred supporters, so we have to push, we have to show people how it’s done. We have chants, drums, and it works. » She rejoices: « We’re starting to lose our voice, but honestly, it’s a pure delight. »
Because Lille is hosting the Olympic Games, it also means an unprecedented attendance at the stadium and decibel records during the matches.
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