Location: Leipzig
TASK
Leipzig was one of ten host cities for UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany in summer 2024. In addition to the stadium, Augustusplatz in the city center became the central meeting point for soccer fans, Leipzig residents and guests of the city. A big European soccer festival was to be celebrated here - with public viewing and a diverse program of sport, culture and hands-on activities.
SOLUTION
Together with FAIRNET, Leipziger Messe was a partner in the organization, infrastructure and implementation of the Augustusplatz fan zone. For four weeks, there was public viewing, hands-on activities and a cultural program with more than 30 regional, national and international live acts. FAIRNET set up a complex infrastructure for this. Highlights included two huge awnings to shade the area, around 1,900 square meters of artificial turf and the large stage measuring 21 by 14 meters and around 14 meters high. The Football Village with a soccer court was set up in front of the Gewandhaus. There was also catering, sponsor presentations and a Ferris wheel with sponsor branding. The total area of 9,800 square meters was completely designed in the UEFA look and feel.
For the four Leipzig match days, FAIRNET set up the Fan Meeting Point Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, an additional area with public viewing and catering for international fans. A street entertainment programme was also organized on these days. FAIRNET also made the UEFA EURO 2024 visible at other points in the cityscape, including with a symbolic city gate at the main railway station and a so-called Spectacular for souvenir photos at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.
By the final on July 14, more than 300,000 visitors had been welcomed. With the dismantling of the Augustusplatz fan zone, more than 5,000 square meters of banners from the EURO 2024 Festival were returned to the cycle in cooperation with Trash Galore.