The highly anticipated PSG versus Arsenal Champions League final on May 30 presents a major logistical challenge for Île-de-France. Unlike previous years, no fan zone will be set up in Paris itself. The police force’s stance remains firm: the concentration of security resources on three major concerts at Stade de France, La Défense Arena and Accor Arena leaves little room for large public gatherings.

In response, organizers have planned a giant screen broadcast at Parc des Princes, with tickets starting at €19. Bars and restaurants across the region will also be hosting viewing parties. Yet throughout Île-de-France, balancing fan celebrations with security imperatives remains a complex puzzle.

Ongoing discussions with prefectures

Fan zone availability will be extremely limited for this final. No declarations have been filed yet in Hauts-de-Seine, where Prefect Alexandre Brugère has explicitly urged mayors against organizing such events. Law enforcement priorities clearly lie with Paris.

In Seine-Saint-Denis, ongoing talks between the prefecture and local leaders reflect a shared desire for secure fan zones. Mayor Bally Bagayoko of Saint-Denis emphasized this point in a recent social media live session: “We need the prefecture to guarantee sufficient security measures before we can approve any fan zones.” He also highlighted community-driven initiatives aiming to create inclusive, family-friendly fan zones—an idea he supports, provided safety can be ensured.

Closed venues as safer alternatives

Fan zones are still planned in Trappes and Carrière-sous-Poissy. Meanwhile, Saint-Germain-en-Laye’s Camp des Loges will host a 8,000-person event. The closed venue offers enhanced security compared to public spaces, particularly important as France remains under high terror alert.

Saint-Germain-en-Laye mayor Arnaud Péricard noted the shifting landscape: “Public events in open spaces are practically impossible now.” He pointed to the Fête des Loges, which has transitioned from open-access celebrations to controlled-entry gatherings. “This goes beyond football—it’s about adapting to new security realities.”

A missed opportunity for public celebration

Cyril Dubois, lawyer for the Ultras Paris supporters collective, criticized the current approach: “We’ve failed to create safe public viewing spaces. It’s not just that we didn’t try—we’ve stopped trying altogether in Paris.” He recalled that even without fan zones for the semifinal against Bayern, rioting still occurred, resulting in 127 arrests across the Paris metropolitan area. Last year’s final saw 491 arrests and two fatalities in celebratory incidents.

Dubois stressed the importance of football culture in urban spaces: “When we can’t even attempt to organize fan zones in Paris, that’s a failure—but more importantly, it shows we’ve given up on safe communal experiences.”