How did Stade de France officials prevent panic among spectators on November 13, 2015?
During the Paris attacks of 2015, match organizers and stadium security officials at the Stade de France intentionally allowed the football match to continue despite the audible explosions occurring outside. This decision was made specifically to discourage mass panic among the 80,000 spectators.1
To further maintain order and ensure safety, officials prevented fans from leaving the stadium until they had assessed the situation and determined it was safe to do so. Following the conclusion of the match shortly before 11:00 pm, the crowd remained orderly as they waited to exit, with many fans gathering on the field. The staff's measured response was later credited by the French sports minister with preventing a potentially much greater tragedy.1