Capacity at the fan-zone in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens is to be doubled and a second screen added for Sunday's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany.
Bosses say it’s to give as many people as possible the chance to enjoy the occasion, which is the second year in a row in which an England team will play in a Euros final at Wembley. Three stadia have hosted matches at the tournament, including the Lionesses’ opener against Austria at Old Trafford.
That’s led to a frenzied interest in women’s football, also helped by the thousands of foreign fans who have flocked to the city-region to see their heroines in action. A decision has therefore been taken to double capacity at the fan-zone for Sunday's Final to 2,000, with places allocated on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Manchester has been a footballing city for as long as most of us can remember, and it's brilliant to see the women's game finally taking centre-stage at last,” Councillor John Hacking said. “The skill and determination we're seeing in every match amongst the players on all teams in the tournament is outstanding and thrilling to watch.
"If you're looking for some big screen action to enjoy the final on and an atmosphere to rival that at Wembley, then get yourself down to the Piccadilly fan-zone. And whatever you do - don't miss this Sunday's final. It's going to be a cracker!"
The fan-zone will open on Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm for a last chance to take part in the hugely popular football related activities that have been running in the fan-zone throughout the tournament, before the area is reset to accommodate more fans for the live screening of the big match.
Bars and eateries at the fan-zone will be open from 12:30 pm until the end of the match. The match kick-off is at 5 pm with the big screen build-up set to begin around 4 pm.
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