8 May 2008Manchester to provide fans zones for Uefa Cup final

Football Clubs News | Football Supporters News

Manchester council is to lay on fan zones for supporters travelling to the city for the Uefa cup final.

The council has obviously done its maths - 100,000 people are expected in the city for the big match, yet the stadium only holds 47,000 spectators.

But ticketless fans needn't worry that they will be forced to watch the game outside a TV rental shop - they will be able to see the drama unfold on big screens around Manchester.

Entertainment, refreshments and three-a-side football tournament are also being laid on in specially-designated fan zones at Piccadilly Gardens, Albert Square and Castlefield.

Fan zones have been used with great success at occasions such as the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

Jim Templeton, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, told BBC News: "People I have spoken to said they are going to Manchester to make it the friendly final.

"We're going there to celebrate our team's achievement and have a party and we are very pleased that the authorities in Manchester are making a big effort to make us feel welcome."

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