Fan Zone Berlin: Focus on entertainment and sustainability
On 14th June 2024, UEFA EURO 2024 will kick off in Germany. The capital city of Berlin, one of the host cities, has now presented its plans for the Fan Zone. The organizers shared details about the activities taking place in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Sports Senator Iris Spranger, Culture Senator Joe Chialo, Moritz van Dülmen, Managing Director of Kulturprojekte Berlin, and Thomas Gloor from UEFA presented the details on Monday. The Berlin Fan Zone will offer numerous events over 31 days and is set to become the heart of football for fans from around the world. The press event took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
The goal (63 meters wide, 21 meters high, 40 tons heavy) and the 24,000 square meters of artificial turf were specially developed for the event. The artificial turf is climate-neutral and 100% recyclable. After the tournament, the turf will be distributed to football pitches and sports facilities across Berlin.
Iris Spranger, Sports Senator, expressed excitement about the event: "The Fan Zone at Brandenburg Gate is taking shape and increasing anticipation for a fantastic European Championship summer. I invite everyone to experience the diverse program and the impressive setting." Moritz van Dülmen, Managing Director of Kulturprojekte Berlin, added: "The Fan Mile has been an institution in Berlin since the 2006 World Cup. For UEFA EURO 2024, we wanted to create something special—a temporary landmark and a new park right in the heart of the city."
The Fan Zone will offer public viewings of all German national team games and games in Berlin (including the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final), as well as concerts and summer cinema screenings. On June 12, two days before the opening match, there will be an opening show featuring artists like Luciano, Alvaro Soler, and Elif. Admission is free. Even on days without public viewings, the park will be open from 8 a.m. for jogging and relaxation.
Sustainability is a central aspect of the Fan Zone. Initiatives such as awareness teams, safer spaces, free drinking water, and sunscreen dispensers have been announced. A strict reusable system for waste reduction, waste separation, and inclusive access will also be implemented. 80% of the materials used are borrowed, and there is a reuse concept for new materials.
The theme of sustainability runs through the program as well. Nine themed days will feature a comprehensive, family-friendly program with partners like CSD and Brotfabrik, focusing on social and ecological sustainability as well as inclusion. Over 100 sustainability projects are part of the FUTURE LEAGUE Berlin 2024. The Senate Department for the Interior and Sports is providing around 2 million euros in funding. The FUTURE HUB in front of the Reichstag will offer workshops, discussions, and interactive activities.
The festival center in front of the Reichstag will also be open for all 31 days from 2 p.m. to midnight and will broadcast all 51 games on the EURO Plaza. There will also be live programs with concerts, DJ sets, and exhibitions. The "Home of Adidas Football Stadium" will be rebuilt as well. The Berlin Fan Zone promises an exciting and sustainable football celebration for UEFA EURO 2024, inviting all Berliners and guests from around the world to participate. (stadiaworld, 22.05.2024)
