Imagine sipping a cool caipirinha in Brazil, sampling a spicy samosa in India, and dancing with a DJ in France—all in a single day. Now, add the chance to meet Olympic athletes to that mix. That’s the experience organizers aim to deliver at the Parc des Nations, also known as Nations Park, in Paris.
Set to open on Saturday following the grand Opening Ceremony on the River Seine, the newly rebranded Parc de la Villette transforms into a vibrant mini-World’s Fair. With tightened security measures in place, the park will host 15 festive national team clubhouses, creating a multicultural fan zone on the edge of Paris.
The concept behind this project is to offer Olympic fans who aren’t attending the Games a place to connect with each other, interact with athletes, and immerse themselves in the Olympic spirit. “The slogan of these Olympics is 'Games Wide Open,' and we wanted to bring that to life,” said Amelie Guignabert of Paris 2024, the Olympic organizing committee. “We really believe in it.”
Promotion for the event is widespread, with advertisements running on the Paris Metro and other public venues, inviting fans to join the festivities. The centerpiece is Club France, the largest clubhouse, which can accommodate up to 6,000 people indoors and 20,000 in the outdoor spaces, including two expansive fields.
Other national clubhouses include Casa Brazil, Canada Team House, Casa Colombia, Czech House, India House, Casa Mexico, Team NL House, Mongolia House, Serbian House, Slovak House, Slovenian House, and Ekhaya South Africa. Each clubhouse offers a unique cultural experience, featuring food, drinks, and live entertainment.
Inside Club France, a large stage will host athlete appearances and nightly music events with DJs like Bob Sinclar. “We like to party,” exclaimed Arnaud Courtier, executive director of Club France.
Fans can gain entry for just five euros (about $5.42) and enjoy unlimited access to live Olympic competitions and athlete interviews on giant screens. Cheering for medal winners, indulging in various cuisines, and enjoying drinks are all part of the experience. For those looking to elevate their night, a premium package is available for up to 385 euros (about $418), which includes an all-night open bar and a prime spot on the stage.
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Olympic-related activities set for mini-World's Fair at park in Paris
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