“It’s still not bad, even if the two teams aren’t at their best, and it’s a Sunday evening, not the best time for a match in Paris,” thinks Franck Lemann, president of the Virage des Dieux. There will be a nice atmosphere. » Thomas Lombard, general director of the Parisian club, also regrets this less than ideal schedule, which comes after a series of three matches of the XV of France at the Stade de France, which satisfied the rugby fans of Ile- de-France. “But three or four years ago, a game with 15,000 people on a Sunday night, we dreamed of it,” he recalls.
What are the current challenges faced by rugby matches scheduled on Sunday nights in Paris?
Interview: The State of Sunday Night Matches in Paris with Thomas Lombard
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Thomas. You recently made comments regarding the scheduling of matches on Sunday evenings. Can you elaborate on your thoughts about this timing?
A: Thank you for having me. It’s definitely a challenging time for matches in Paris. Sunday evenings aren’t traditionally the best time for fans to attend games, especially given the travel demands and the need for a workday the following morning. Despite these challenges, we do see a pretty respectable turnout, and I believe that a lively atmosphere can still be created, even if the two teams might not be at their best.
Q: You mentioned a specific attendance figure—the 15,000 mark—when discussing past matches. Why is that number significant in the context of current match attendance?
A: Absolutely, it holds great significance. Just three or four years ago, drawing 15,000 fans for a Sunday night match was a dream. The consistent turnout we’ve been experiencing recently showcases a positive trend for our club and the sport in general. It’s a reflection of rugby’s growing popularity in Ile-de-France and demonstrates our efforts in cultivating a stronger fan base.
Q: You also talked about the impact of the recent series of matches for the XV of France at the Stade de France. How do you think that affected attendance for your Sunday evening match?
A: The excitement generated by those matches cannot be understated. The atmosphere was electric, and it surely sparked more interest in rugby among the local population. People enjoy attending live sports, and such events create a community feel, encouraging attendance across various formats of the game—even on a less favorable day like Sunday.
Q: What strategies are you considering to enhance attendance at matches held on Sunday evenings?
A: One possible strategy is improving the overall match-day experience. This includes better transportation options, pre-game activities, and engaging halftime entertainment. Our goal is to make it a complete leisure experience for fans, encouraging more families and young people to come out. We’re also considering better marketing tactics to highlight the excitement surrounding our events.
Q: For fans who are feeling hesitant about attending Sunday night matches, what advice would you give them to make the most of their experience?
A: I’d encourage fans to embrace the opportunity! Sunday night matches can still provide a vibrant atmosphere and an engaging experience. Arrive early to enjoy the pre-match activities, and perhaps bring friends or family along to share in the excitement. Don’t let the timing deter you; these matches are important to our community and a chance to cheer for our team together.
Q: In the grand scheme of sports events, how do you see the future of scheduling in Paris evolving, particularly for rugby?
A: I believe scheduling will need to become more fan-centric. We’ll continually assess what time frames resonate most with our audience, balancing that with available venues and television demands. As we aim to maximize attendance, being flexible and responsive to fan preferences will guide our decision-making.
Q: what are your hopes for the future of rugby in Paris?
A: I hope to see rugby continuously grow in popularity and accessibility in Paris. Enhancing our infrastructure, increasing community engagement, and maintaining a high standard of play will all contribute to a vibrant rugby culture. The more fans we can bring into the game, especially during challenging time slots like Sunday evenings, the healthier our sport will be in the long term.
Q: Thank you, Thomas, for your insightful thoughts on this topic. It’s clear that your commitment to enhancing the rugby experience in Paris is strong.
A: Thank you for having me! It’s my pleasure to discuss the future of rugby and how we can create a better experience for our fans. I look forward to seeing you at the next match!