Free Outdoor World Cup 2014 Party in Vancouver
Photo credit: Jarke | Wikimedia Commons
World Cup soccer fans in Vancouver have something to cheer about.
The city is hosting a giant outdoor bash for the World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, at Trout Lake near the Commercial Drive neighbourhood.
At the Soccer! Samba!! Celebration!!! party (just look at all those exclamation points) fans can catch the game on one of the largest LED screens in the city. In addition, South American dancers are set to perform and special stations will be set up for kids to design their own soccer jerseys.
Apart from giving fans a place to show their pride, the celebration is also meant to bring attention to the 2015 Women’s World Cup, coming to Canada (and Vancouver) next year.
The event is divided into two themed zones.
Trout Lake Park. Photo credit: lota 9 at English Wikipedia
The Rio de Janeiro Zone is designed “to create as vivid and compelling an environment as possible by mimicking the sound, feeling and atmosphere of the final match’s Estadio do Maracana stadium.” It features a 13-foot by 23-foot LED TV wall and immersive sounds.
Meanwhile, the Soccer Fan Fun Zone highlights interactive activities and games for soccer fans. A prize will also be awarded to the “best-dressed fan” at the event.
One important note: Contrary to World Cup custom, the event is strictly alcohol-free. According to Mayor Gregor Robertson, “[We] want to be sure that fans of all ages can take in the excitement during the final weekend.”
Photo credit: Christine Jackowski | Flickr
Also, while Soccer! Samba!! Celebration!!! is a free event, tickets are required for admission. Only 800 tickets will be issued, and they can be reserved via the city of Vancouver website. (At the time of writing, a wait list had already formed for fans hoping to get tickets. Community centres throughout the city will also be showing the final in their lobbies and lounges.)
The World Cup final kicks off at noon on Sunday, July 13. (Teams will be decided this week.) The Soccer! Samba!! Celebration!!! opens its gates at Vancouver’s Trout Lake Park (3300 Victoria Dr. at E. 15th Ave.) at 10 a.m.
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Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2014/07/10/free-outdoor-world-cup-final-party-in-vancouver/
