In this post, we caught up with Alex – a Homefans tour host in Paris, France. Alex tells us why Parc des Princes is an absolute must-visit for any football fan, and why he decided to become a local host on the platform. The quotes in this blog post are taken from a recent Fanstriker podcast that Alex featured on, as part of a content series empowering our growing network of passionate storytellers creating experiences on the platform.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
“I was born in Paris, and have always been a PSG fan. I was there when they were not as good as they are now, when we did not even qualify for the UEFA Champions League every year. Whatever happens I’ll stay a PSG fan for life because Paris is my city. It’s my home.
My favorite memory at Parc des Princes dates from the very first time I went. I was with my father. Right when I walked into the stadium, they played ‘I Feel Good’ by James Brown on the speakers. It is my favorite song of all time. They played my song right when I first walked in and I immediately felt very welcome.”
What made you want to get involved with Homefans and become a Local Host?
“What I like most about Homefans is the authenticity. Every experience that you will see on the platform is very immersive. For example, I had never thought about going to Argentina to watch a Superclasico in La Bombonera. But after seeing that experience on Homefans it’s now top of my bucket list! People welcome you in their city and give you the best experience for a sports fan. Hosts and travellers hang out as like-minded passionate football fans.
I wanted to become one of those people who welcome travellers in their city and show them everything there is to see. My dream is that somebody from Israel, Argentina, China or anywhere logs onto Homefans and thinks to themselves ‘that guy Alex looks cool and I really want to go and see a PSG game with him’.
Clearly it’s a dream job. I get to share my passion for PSG and Paris, whilst touring the best places in the city for football fans!”
What are the other aspects of hosting sports travellers you enjoy?
“Being a host, you get to show the best part of your club. You can share the supporter’s secrets with fans who are often going to the stadium for the first time.
You allow them to spend the day in a way they would not have if they had gone by themselves or with friends. It’s like helping them to discover a new culture through sports.
That’s exactly what I love to share with travellers. With me, they can experience what it’s like to be a PSG fan in my city!”
In your opinion, what are the must-sees of Paris?
“My immediate thought is of course going to Parc des Princes, PSG’s stadium. When I think about having travellers with me in Paris, I want them to feel what it’s like to walk into the stadium.
I know there are a lot of people from all around the world within the Homefans community. I am just back in Paris after living in the U.S. for four years. I always told my American friends that European stadiums like Parc des Princes would give them a heart attack. That’s how intense supporters are in our stadium.
The feeling in Parc des Princes is crazy. Discovering that for the first time is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
What is special about the ambiance in the Parc des Princes compared to other stadiums?
“Parc des Princes is the whole package. You have a great team, great supporters, great atmosphere and a beautiful city. Most of all, you never know what is going to happen. Winning 4-0 against Barça in 2017 was unexpected. Everybody was dreaming of such a victory but nobody expected it to happen that way!
This is the best thing about what PSG truly is. We never know what is going to happen. And often it is thanks to our supporters that we live such a great experience!”
There is another football club in Paris: Paris FC. When you have travellers with you, do you also include Paris FC games in your experience?
“Yes of course. It is complementary to PSG. I am not as big of a Paris FC fan as I am with PSG. But I am a big fan of my city. It is a beautiful sports team with a beautiful stadium. And there are also many other great sports teams in my city like PSG handball, Red Star, PSG Women football team.
Paris is one of the biggest sports cities in Europe.
PSG is the core of my experience but there is a lot to discover around sports in Paris. If travellers would like to see more, I am happy to show that to them too.”
What does a typical afternoon in Paris with you look like for the travelers who book an experience with you?
“I really want to offer an opportunity to live not only like a PSG fan, but like a true Parisian. The experience I share on Homefans is customisable to what travellers would like to do. But there are a few things you can’t miss while visiting Paris. You have to go to the Eiffel Tower. You have to take a walk in Montmartre. You have to eat typical French food.
Whether you’ve already been in Paris or not, you’ve never seen it all. Let’s go to the museum and enjoy architecture around the city. Then we can end the day with the best part: going to Parc des Princes. For me the perfect formula for a game day is a win, some friends and end with a kebab!”
We are delighted to continue growing the Homefans marketplace with unique football experiences around the world, hosted by passionate local storytellers like Alex, who will be delighted to welcome you to their city. You can check out Alex’s PSG Matchday Experience here.
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