The UEFA European Football Championship is one of the biggest sporting events that captivates fans across the globe. It’s the ideal event to bring people together, no matter where you are in the world. If you’re planning to travel during this exciting tournament, here’s how you can fully immerse yourself.
The importance of the Euros
First, it’s important to understand the sheer scale of this event. The Euros are the third-largest sporting event worldwide. It’s also one of the most bet-on events in the world. Whether you’re used to a flutter on NetBet slots or not, a wager backing your team is often a common part of local culture.
During UEFA EURO 2020, the tournament amassed a staggering 5.2 billion cumulative global live audience, with an average of over 100 million viewers per live match. Even if you’re in Asia, people are watching…
Checking the schedule
The first thing to do is to check the Euros calendar to see when the big games are. This year’s semi-finals, for example, are scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with final being on Sunday, July 14. Each year it’s a similar time, but always make sure to put a note down in your diary.
Of course, the country you’re in will be relevant to which games you may want to catch the most. When in Spain, for example, it’s not only the Spain games that will draw big audiences in the local pubs, but the Germany and England games too because Spain is popular among these tourists. Often, you will get a mix turning up to the pub.
Shared experience
One of the most rewarding aspects of embracing the Euros while traveling is the unique chance to connect with both locals and international visitors. Fan zones and public viewing areas become melting pots of cultures. Or, they’re overwhelming experiences of the local culture. City parks in Amsterdam, for example, will have tens of thousands turning up to watch the same big screen on a field, with a big sea of orange.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the area of the host country, these memories will never leave you. Such events can bring you to countries you would have never thought of visiting, but soccer provides that social glue. Millions of visitors from all over Europe will be attending, and all local establishments will be vibrant. Most of your memorable experiences will come from before and after the games.
Of course, the game itself can change an atmosphere, and a big win can cause mass street parties with flares, music, and singing.
To fully embrace the Euro experience, consider the following tips:
- Plan your itinerary around match days, especially if you’re in a host city.
- Visit fan zones and public viewing areas to soak in the atmosphere, even if you don’t have match tickets.
- Learn a few football-related phrases in the local language to connect with fans.
- Wear neutral colors or support the local team to blend in with the crowd.
The Euro’s are a unique tournament. Often with football, much of the atmosphere is inside the stadium. With large international soccer tournaments, the true party is on the outside and in the streets.
