Squishing your shoulders through the doors of a heaving pub to watch the World Cup is usually an absolute mission. In fact, it’s probably way easier and less stressful to stay and watch it at home. But where’s the fun in that? Why not be surrounded by thousands of sweaty football fans instead?
Manchester is going to host Europe’s biggest fan zone for the World Cup this winter, with a massive 140-square-metre screen at Depot Mayfield (aka the home of the iconic club series Warehouse Project). But it’s way more than a screen plonked in a park, it’s being dubbed as an ‘immersive’ and ‘multi-sensory’ football experience, complete with the latest interactive technology.
So, what do we mean by ‘immersive’? Well, the entire venue will be lit up yellow or red as corresponding-coloured cards are given out on the IRL pitch. Expect computer-generated cheering and chanting, plus pre and post-match entertainment with DJs, hosts, quizzes, special guests and competitions. There will be two standing rooms, a VIP area with space for 200 guests and up 1,800 seats in the main room at Mayfield Depot. It’s basically like a massive, football-themed nightclub.
And if you’re feeling peckish? There will be multiple bars and vendors, with an exclusive menu by hot-sauce-beef-burger connoisseurs OhMyGlaze. And if you’re bitter about not making the England team, but still have that competitive spirit burning inside of you, there are loads of in-venue gaming competitions including football pong, football racer and penalty shootouts to beat your mates at.
You can find out more about the Road to Victory and book tickets here.
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