Friday, 09.12.2011
We continue our introduction of the official UEFA fan zones in the EURO 2012 host-cities. Last time we’ve already talked about the two biggest areas for supporters in Kiev and Donetsk. Now it is Eastern Kharkov and Western Lviv that we are going to talk about. It’s very symbolic, that both host-cities of the European tournament, Kharkov and Lviv, decided to place fan zones at the similar address, Svobody Sq. and Svobody Av. respectively (Svoboda means liberty).
Kharkov Will Accustom Fans to the Beautiful
Therefore, Kharkov official UEFA zone will be situated at the Svobody Sq., i.e. the biggest square in whole Europe! This was the prime reason to consider this fan zone to have the biggest capacity among the other. So they planned to welcome some 75 thousand supporters. However, firstly, as we already know, it’s less that Kiev (90 thousand) and Donetsk (80 thousand) can welcome. Secondly, UEFA, after calculating one more time, canceled plans of Kharkov authorities. So, according to the rules established by Union of European Football Associations, the capacity of supporters’ area was reduced to 45 thousand. Nevertheless, it’s a descent rate.
For the European championship, UEFA will give the biggest stage and one of three screens for football matches broadcasting to Kharkov’s fan zone. Probably, this display to be installed at the back of this stage. The total number of screens at the official zone for aficionados is nine; therefore, except principal one at the main stage, each side of the area will have two more.
Perhaps, there is a reason that Kharkov got the UEFA biggest stage. The fan zone guests before match broadcasting and after it might watch some pop-star performances. Also the intricate cultural program is waiting for supporters! So in summer, 2012 Kharkov dramatic theatres will premier plays adapted for the outdoors performances. Moreover, starting this theatrical season, cast has already kicked off the rehearsals, and creation of the decoration.
Lviv Fan Zone Is Festivals
The official UEFA fan zone that will be place in the Svobody Av., in Lviv, will welcome more than 35 thousand supporters. It will extend throughout the historical city center, from the Opera Theater till the monument to the famous Ukrainian, Taras Shevchenko. Of course, the fan zone facilities include emergency centers (the police and medical doctors), fast-foods, souvenir shops, stage and two big screens. The entertainment part of the area will hold the mini-football tournament among supporters and contests offered by sponsors of European championship.
Lviv, is a well-know home to the festivals, and so it is going to welcome football fans with vivid events and shows. Thereby, the official fan area and its neighborhood will host at least three festivals. The first is the beer one, the second is the musical one, “Country of dream”, and the theatrical one, “Drama.UA”.
It’s curious that Lviv official fan zone’s schedule is the strictest one among the other areas. It will open at 2 p.m. and will close at 10 p.m. in non-match day and at 12 a.m. after football broadcasting. To compare, Donetsk fan zone will be closed at 2 a.m., and will be opened at 12 p.m.
By the way, Lviv authorities believe that their city will be trend setter of the football matches broadcasting in fan zone. It seems that at least Kiev citizens have “another point of view”…
