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The former member of One Direction, Louis Tomlinson, performed on April 21 in Paris at the Accor Arena. To manage the waiting of the fans of the artist who paid tribute to Liam Payne, the venue innovates with a new system to limit the often prolonged camping. Between passion and excitement, some admirers of the artist who lost his mother and sister are willing to wait for days. Faced with these practices, the organization proposes a more fair solution, but it has sparked debates among fans.
A new system to manage the waiting
For this highly anticipated concert, the Accor Arena has decided to change the rules. Now, there is no need to camp in front of the venue for hours. Spectators must arrive between 10 am and 2 pm to collect a bracelet. The bracelet has a randomly assigned number. As the organizers specify, “your place in line is defined randomly”. After that, everyone can leave the premises and come back later. This system aims to reduce fatigue and excessive behavior. It also helps manage the crowd better. Therefore, the safety and comfort of the audience become a clearly stated priority.
Next, fans must return around 4:30 pm to access the standing area. Entry is then based on the order of the distributed numbers. This system limits long continuous lines. However, some rules remain strict. Only one bracelet per person is allowed, and it cannot be exchanged. Additionally, any removed bracelet becomes invalid. Those without a bracelet will have to wait longer and enter after others. This framework requires a certain discipline. In return, it offers a smoother organization. The goal is simple: to prevent disturbances while maintaining an enjoyable experience for everyone.
A measure that divides fans
Despite its advantages, this system does not have unanimous support. Some fans applaud an initiative that puts an end to endless waiting. They especially appreciate the fairness of the random draw. On the other hand, others express concerns. The early schedule is a problem for some attendees. Additionally, several fear not entering at the same time as their friends. This constraint can affect the collective experience. However, despite these criticisms, the enthusiasm remains strong. On social media, some fans claim to have arrived as early as 7 am. Ironically, they are waiting for a simple random number. This type of organization is not entirely new. For years, Bruce Springsteen fans have used a system called “roll call”. In this case, numbers are assigned based on the order of arrival. Participants must then return at specific times to retain their place. This model is now inspiring other venues. It helps limit abuses while maintaining a certain fairness. Thus, the Accor Arena is testing a modern alternative. If the results are positive, other artists could adopt this principle. Ultimately, this type of system could become the norm for major concerts.
