Leipzig wants to present itself as a "cosmopolitan" European Championship city

Public viewing, music and exhibitions all about sport - Leipzig is planning a spectacular supporting program for the European Football Championship 2024 with the "Fan Zone" in the middle of the city centre. "Leipzig can present itself to guests from all over the world as a cosmopolitan, attractive host city not only in the stadium, but also in the city centre," said Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of Leipziger Messe, the organizer of the fan festival on Thursday.

In addition to the stadium, Augustusplatz will be the most important venue for Europe's biggest soccer festival from 14 June to 14 July. The "Augustplatz Fan Zone" will be open on all 31 days of the tournament. All matches will be broadcast on two giant screens, allowing up to 15,000 people to cheer on the games in front of the Opera House and Gewandhaus. Admission is free of charge.

People can also look forward to a Ferris wheel, a small soccer pitch and numerous musical highlights. The Chiemsee band LaBrassBanda will be playing on 29 June and pop singer Dieter Thomas Kuhn on the final day, 14 June.

The organizers are expecting a huge turnout with colourful fan marches, especially on the four match days in Leipzig. The match on June 21 between the Netherlands and France is likely to be particularly challenging. According to Buhl-Wagner, up to 40,000 fans from the Netherlands are expected to attend.

"Everyone should experience a happy, carefree soccer festival in Leipzig," said Leipzig's Mayor of Culture Skadi Jennicke (Left Party). She added that the city had selected 14 other projects, including exhibitions highlighting the history of the sport as well as women and workers in soccer.