Christian Estrosi and the event organizers specified, this Wednesday, May 17, the reception setup for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The fan zone will be set up in the Albert 1st Gardens and within the Théâtre de Verdure starting on September 8.
“France will welcome the world, and it’s a good thing, even if it’s no coincidence, Nice is used to this,” shares Julien Colette, the competition’s general director. In nearly 100 days, Nice will become oval-shaped. The city is hosting four pool matches of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. From September 16 to 24, eight teams, including four from the Six Nations tournament, will compete on the lawn of the Allianz Riviera. A prestigious lineup, even more so since the Scottish team, the XV du Chardon, has chosen Nice for its base camp. Nice is the only host city welcoming more British spectators than French.
This is a highly significant moment for the municipality, which already has a packed sporting event schedule for the season. The city expects 140,000 people, with 75% being foreigners. Such a crowd means significant economic impact. Forecasts estimate at least 80 million euros in revenue. Each spectator has an average budget of 741 euros, according to a survey by France 2023, conducted among ticket buyers. Besides, no tickets are available to attend the matches live from the stadium.
Watch the matches on a giant screen at Théâtre de Verdure
Since the third half is sacred in rugby, a fan zone is being set up in the heart of Nice so everyone can enjoy the festivities for free. Thus, the opening match France-New Zealand on September 8 will mark the opening of this rugby village’s doors, which has a capacity of 9,000 people simultaneously. The entertainment will continue until October 28.
It will welcome the public over a total of 16 days, during specific moments: the broadcast of the matches taking place in Nice, those of the French team, as well as the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. A giant screen will be installed within the Théâtre de Verdure, which can accommodate 3,000 people. Player presentations, songs, anthems, claps, and light effects will be in the mix. The goal: to make spectators experience the emotions of the stadium.
And that’s not all, five “Oval Night” events are scheduled. A concept of musical and festive programming aimed at a national and international audience.
A lively and connected village
“We wanted this village to be environmentally friendly,” begins Karim Herida, general director for consulting and development at GROUP EVENTEAM. An essential point for the village ambassador, none other than Jeff Tordo, former Nice captain of the French Team.
It is organized into three areas: arena zone, relaxation, and hospitality zone, then entertainment and partner zone. Entrance will be from the Masséna side. First, visitors will be welcomed by a market of local producers. This is to support commerce and highlight Nice’s know-how internationally. To try rugby playfully, a mini-field will be set up. After the effort, relaxation will be assured by an ephemeral bar and catering area.
Karim Hérida unveils “a little peculiarity.” Indeed, the village will be connected for a Supporters’ World Cup. “Every visitor who enters this village will be prompted to scan a QR code. They will then interact with the various screens in the village in a game logic,” he explains.
For all practical information on this Rugby World Cup or the annual event schedule, the City is launching its Nice Events application.
