Basketball: the new face of the Jemmapes court

On January 24, 2020, the City of Paris hosted a National Basketball Association (NBA) regular-season game for the first time: a meeting between the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Accor Arena (12th arrondissement) as part of the NBA Paris Game.

An event that continues today on Parisian playgrounds: as part of the NBA Paris Game support program, the NBA, in collaboration with the City of Paris and the 10th arrondissement town hall, has renovated the Jemmapes physical education court (TEP) (10th arrondissement) with new baskets and new ground markings. "It's beautiful and eye-catching," says Benjamin, 20, as he discovers the new pitch opposite the Canal Saint-Martin, it's both very clean and very professional".

The aim of the new Jemmapes court, nicknamed the "Baltizone" by basketball fans, is to develop the sport in working-class neighborhoods and work with associations to ensure that the project benefits everyone.

Artist and designer Etienne Bardelli designed the new court layout. This is my first work on a basketball court," he explains. It's a place where people pass through incredibly often, and it's a famous court for basketball players. We did the dressing in a week. I composed it as a huge set of 200m² stencils. Then they were painted on the ground by Tristan Baraduc [winner of the Embellir Paris competition, editor's note] using a spray gun."

The paints should withstand the passage of TEP Jemmapes' many regulars: "There's no risk of wear and tear, as they're specially designed for floor coverings," explains Étienne Bardelli, who himself grew up in the 10th arrondissement.

Despite the gloomy weather, fans were delighted to discover the new surfaces. "With these new paints, it's less slippery," confides 13-year-old Cory, whom we met on the pitch. Before, you could hurt yourself when you fell".

But why black, white and red? " They're classic basketball colors," says Étienne Bardelli. Ball in hand, John, 13, recognizes "the colors of the Chicago Bulls". Michael Jordan's legendary club.

A few days ago, streetballer Grayson "The Professor" Boucher - best known for his AND1 Live Tour appearances - took to the Jemmapes court and fans were in for a treat!

The grounds are open 7 days a week with free access.