England’s World Cup semi-final will be screened outdoors in Manchester city centre – the first major public football screening in ten years.
Castlefield Bowl outdoor events pavilion will host up to 8,000 spectators at a free, ticketed screening on Wednesday, after AutoTrader agreed to sponsor it.
Thousands of lucky football fans will gather to watch England’s historic match against Croatia, the first semi-final played since 1990.
It will be the city’s biggest public screening taking place on the UK’s biggest public screen.
AutoTrader’s Audience and Brand Director, Lei Sorvisto said: “Manchester locals called for a place to come together to watch this seminal semi-final match, and as a business in the city, we wanted to do all we can to help make it happen. The city has a special relationship with football, so we want to bring the semi-final ‘home’ for the people of Manchester.”
A huge 120msq screen will installed in the Castlefield venue for the match and doors will be open from 4pm, with a bar area and food trailers open throughout the game.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s City Centre spokesperson, said: “Manchester people have been calling for a big screen to watch England’s incredible World Cup run together. ‘Auto Trader Bowl’ is the perfect place and we look forward to cheering on our boys on Wednesday. Football is truly coming home to Manchester.”
All 8,000 tickets to the event, which was subject to a £1 booking fee, were snapped up in under an hour on Monday evening.
Strict security measures will be in place, so guests are advised to follow guidelines in order to be allowed entry that will be publicized alongside ticket information.
The team’s previous matches have not as a result of crowd trouble during the 2006 World Cup and at the 2008 Uefa Cup Final in the city.
Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Manchester has truly come together for this World Cup and it will a great experience to support England as part of an 8,000 strong crowd of fans. The city is the epicentre of football in the UK and it seems fitting to put on this special event for Manchester people.”
Entry to the viewing area will be on Liverpool Road and Castle Street. A disabled access viewing area will be available. Free water will also be available on site.
For more information visit www.autotrader.co.uk/goals.