Bercy 2009

As you can tell, my computer is back from the IR after catching a nasty French virus, so I have plenty to share as our adventure in Paris continues with new experiences every week. For this post however, we did not dine on delectable French cooking or visit a site of historical importance from the past. Nope, last Sunday was all about hockey as Mindy and I took in the French Cup Final at the Bercy stadium in Paris.

The Coupe de France (French Cup) is a single elimination tournament that is played throughout the year involving teams from all four major levels in France (Magnus, D1, D2, & D3). We were eliminated in the first round back in October when we played against Reims (see my post from October 6th for a refresher). The final two teams always come from the Magnus League which is the top division in France and this year proved to be no different as Grenoble advanced to the final to square off against Dijon.

Back in North America, we often enjoyed attending NHL games and were fortunate to attend numerous Edmonton Oilers games last year as well as a couple of Rangers games while visiting New York. The fans in those venues could often get very boisterous but unfortunately paled in comparison to what we experienced at the Bercy arena. The french fans certainly know how to lend some ambiance to a sporting event as the supporters of both clubs were incredibly loud and sang/chanted throughout the game. Add the towel waving, banner flying, and glow-stick throwing...and it was pandemonium at the quietest of moments.

The game was entertaining enough although Grenoble was clearly the better team. They proved it as well by winning the Coupe de France with a convincing 6-1 victory. The game however was secondary as the event was something else and I can only hope that one day I see the same type of passion in an NHL arena.

Once again, I need to send a thanks out to Romain Sauvage, who hooked us up with VIP seating in Row 3. It was quite a treat to be a Nike VIP for the day!

13,000 strong packed the Bercy arena for the Coupe de France final.

Grenoble (in red) was clearly the superior team however Dijon (in blue) played hard.

At the end of the game, the Coupe de France was presented to the victors in the same fashion as a Stanley Cup winner with photographers, confetti, and officials on the ice.

And I can't leave out Mindy's favorite part of the spectacle...the Pom-Pom Girls who wowed us with fantastic intermission entertainment.