Nice is one of the ten cities selected to host Euro 2016 which, organized every 4 years, is the third most-watched sporting event in the world.
However, if we estimate that each match will be watched live by at least 30,000 spectators and more than 150 million television viewers, how can we forget that this macro-spectacle requires a titanic organization that must take into account very disparate domains like security, logistics, transportation, traffic viability, entertainment, and the entire tourism sector (airports, railway stations, hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.).
The most recent novelty, the fan zones introduced for the first time in Germany in 2012, have become almost as important as the matches themselves.
All this requires complex organization, which must run like a Swiss watch, with any failures potentially leading to heavy consequences.
But Nice is ready to rise to the challenge and everything has been planned and set up so that nothing can hinder this sporting competition with its multiple stakes: image and economic factors.
In a little over two weeks before the kickoff (the tournament will begin on June 10, and the first match at Allianz Riviera, renamed Stade de Nice for the occasion, will be played two days later), Christian Estrosi, who wears three caps as Mayor of Nice, President of the Metropolis, and President of the PACA Region, presented to a diverse audience the complete organizational setup ensured by the various city services and more than 550 volunteers.
The first and most important part is the fan zone which will operate for the entire duration of the competition, specifically 31 days, and with two broadcast areas (Jardin Albert 1er and Théâtre de Verdure) will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 visitors who can watch the matches on two giant screens, plus an entertainment area on the Quai des États-Unis.
The security of this area, which is under the responsibility of the city hall, will be ensured by the presence of 124 security agents accompanied by municipal police and metal detection portals, in addition to bag checks and pat-downs.
This setup will be complemented by the installation of ten surveillance cameras in addition to the eight already existing in this area located near Place Masséna, in the city center.
Conversely, the government did not authorize the facial recognition system by video that had been proposed in the parliamentary framework by the President of the Departmental Council Eric Ciotti, true to his role as Mr. Security.
In total, of the 2.5 million euros budget for the Nice fan zone, 1.5 million is allocated to security, covered by UEFA and the state to the tune of 870,000 euros, with the remainder falling to the city (630,000 euros).
On the transportation side, a tailored plan is set with shuttle buses ensuring connections from 4 different points, plus trains on the Chemins de fer de Provence.
On the environmental side, the Municipality’s Agenda 21 for Sport and the Eco-manifestation Charter will be applied.
On the economic side, if France is expected to welcome, according to forecasts, more than 1.5 million visitors, Nice is anticipating 250,000. In terms of economic impact, they are counting on 81 million euros (according to the CDES study from Limoges in association with UEFA), of which 53 million are for spending around the stadium and fan zone.
Nice airport is expecting a 20% increase in trips, and hotels forecast near 100% occupancy.
Overall, Euro 2016 will enhance the territory’s image. In terms of media impact, the effects will also be significant.
For all these reasons, we can only exclaim: Euro 2016, welcome to Nice!
