It is about 7 o’clock on a Friday evening as you approach a large, glowing building. The noises and cheers begin to grow louder, and you arrive closer to the entry gates. On your way, there are several vendors selling blue and red merchandise like scarfs, hats, and flags. As you make your way closer to the joining masses, you are taken over by a radiating sense of exhilaration. You quickly pass over your ticket, enter in to the find your seat, and watch the pulsating crowds as they chant in unison. You are now about to take part in an experience, the simultaneous act of production and consumption. You have just found yourself at a national football match…
In the name of sport, there is nothing like attending a national level sporting event like that of a European football match. The stadium radiates with excitement and you can feel the camaraderie resonate from fan to fan.
The Stade de France is situated just north of the city limits of Paris, and it is home to both the France national football and rugby teams. It has a capacity of just over 80,000 people, which makes this stadium part of the top ten largest found in Europe. The Stade de France opened its doors in January of 1998, and continues to house national and international sporting events; it has also been able to hold several very notable performances, such as: Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Madonna.
It was decided to build France’s national stadium in the early 90’s, as is it was the chosen city to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup. When visiting Paris during the football season, it would definitely be worth your while to see a live game at the stadium. Even if you know nothing about football or your favorite team is not playing, you will not be disappointed by this electrifying atmosphere.
…There are only a few minutes left in the game and France is down by one point. Bosnia took the lead earlier in the game, but all you can focus on now is shouting, “Allez Les Bleus.” Just when you think there is not enough time to save the game, France scores a goal and ties it up. The stadium erupts with an overwhelming level of cheering as the game comes to an end. It does not matter that they only tied, for there is so much more to it. This is their team and their country, and together they were able to beat defeat.
