Liverpool Council is teaming up with international sports betting company SportPesa to set up for zone for match against Croatia and a £1 fee will be charged for entry. Tony McDonough reports
Big screens will be installed on Liverpool’s waterfront in time for Wednesday evening as the Pier Head is turned into a ‘fan zone’ for England’s World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia.
Thousands of people are expected to gather in the shadow of the Three Graces as they cheer on the Three Lions in their biggest game since 1990 when England were beaten on penalties at the same stage of the competition by West Germany.
There will be a £1 entry fee into the fan zone, which will be open from 4pm on Wednesday. No alcohol can be taken inside and only sealed plastic water bottles will be allowed.
Alcohol will be served in the zone as well as food and temporary toilet facilities will be installed. Once the area is full up no one else will be allowed entry.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “Our city has football in its DNA and naturally there’s huge excitement and anticipation about this game.
“I’ve been really keen to give people the opportunity to come together with others in the sunshine at the city’s best known landmark, and cheer on Gareth Southgate’s team to victory in Russia.
“We’ve worked really hard in a really short timescale in the middle of our events season to pull together something which will give people the opportunity to stay in the city centre after work and watch the game with their colleagues and friends.”
Following an appeal for sponsors from Mayor Anderson, SportPesa, the international sports betting company which has its UK headquarters in the Royal Liver Building, have come forward to help cover the cost of putting on the event such as security and the hire of the big screens.
Tickets are available from 6pm on Monday evening by clicking here.