Soccer World Cup - How public viewing works in Saxony

The soccer World Cup kicks off in just a few days. The German national team will kick off the tournament on June 14 at 7:00 pm. In some cities in Saxony, fans can watch the matches in the open air - even if it gets later.

For example, in Leipzig's beer gardens and outdoor seating areas, matches can also be shown after 10.00 pm. However, an application must be submitted to the public order office. Events in public squares and streets must also be registered. According to the city, four events by restaurateurs have been approved so far. Larger public viewing events in the city area are not yet planned.

Special regulation for public viewing

The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada and Mexico - and therefore often at night for viewers in Germany. The German national team's first preliminary round match against Curaçao starts at 7 p.m., while the two matches against the Ivory Coast and Ecuador start at 10 p.m.

Because of the late kick-off times, the federal government has created a special regulation for public viewing that allows public broadcasts beyond the regular rest periods. However, the decision on specific public viewing events lies with the local authorities.

In Dresden, there is public viewing in the Ballsport Arena - albeit indoors. So there should be no problems with noise protection. All selected matches of the national team will be broadcast on a 32 square meter LED wall. There will be another public viewing at the Weißer Hirsch concert venue. It starts on Sunday (June 14) when Germany plays Curaçao.

Sports events important for restaurateurs

Each event will be examined individually, according to the state capital. The responsible authority then decides after careful consideration, according to a spokesperson - especially with regard to noise and size.

According to Dehoga Sachsen, the largest World Cup fan mile to date will be held on the Schlossberg in Chemnitz. With up to 4,000 guests per match, it could become the central meeting point for soccer fans in Saxony, according to Dehoga CEO Axel Klein. In addition to 2,000 seats, there are additional areas for blankets and camping chairs. After the Capital of Culture year, this could be another highlight in Chemnitz, according to Klein.

Hope for euphoria

Saxony's restaurateurs are also preparing for the World Cup. Axel Klein is positive about the fact that exemptions are generally possible. "Sporting events like soccer are very important for us," he told the German Press Agency. The first Germany games are still at a good time of day - businesses are therefore hoping for additional sales due to the generally good atmosphere. Klein is optimistic that euphoria can still develop - and that people will celebrate together accordingly. "The tournament will show that."

"Not everyone can party and celebrate at home," says Klein. The Dehoga boss advised anyone who is interested to contact a local innkeeper or restaurateur. However, for the late games - some in the middle of the night - you have to see how much interest fans have. "The restaurateurs will have to get creative," said Klein. He could imagine, for example, offering a wake-up service in the hotel to broadcast the games in the lounge. Dehoga has also negotiated special conditions for hotels and restaurants with GEMA and produced a leaflet with all the legal issues.