FIFA have scored a major own goal with the Fan Fests organised as a meeting place for fans to enjoy the games. Thousands were turned away from the Salvador fan fest today unaware that these venues are only open for showing Brazil games and on match days in Salvador.
Lack of signage at the venue meant fans had no warning that games would not be shown. We walked through the Fan Fest site twice this morning and there was no information that the games would not be shown. Team colours of Columbia and England were in abundance with fans of Holland, USA, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and France all wandering the streets looking for somewhere to watch the game having all converged on the Fan Fest expecting the games to be shown. We spoke with some Australians of Greek heritage who had travelled 16k to be here to be part of the expected gathering.
An opportunity to encourage fans of all nations to gather and celebrate the games together has been lost. Money spent on setting up the venues has been wasted. I can not fathom the logic in only opening these venues for limited games. On match days most travelling fans whether supporting the games played or neutrals are at the stadium, it is non game days when there is most demand for a place to watch games on a big screen.
A poor show from FIFA and an organisational mistake which reflects badly on Salvador and Brazil. With fans sharing stories of how good the Fan Fest in South Africa was this is a major disappointment. Once again it is the travelling, ticket buying fans who lose out.
Hi, I have nominted you for the Liebster Award! For more details check out: http://wheresdariel.com/2014/06/first-blogging-award/
ReplyDeleteI wrote a lengthy account of my experience with fan fests but it disappeared after I pressed published.
ReplyDeleteIn summery - They are rubbish, FIFA are a non tax paying, controlling monster so you should watch it in a local bar and support the local community. You are already giving FIFA enough by buying the over priced tickets .
Thanks for joining the debate.
ReplyDeleteI have tried emailing and commenting on the Salvador Fan Fest page on their official site as well as through Twitter all with no response. My question on their official page was politely worded yet their moderator would not publish it.
Maybe my wording is too aggressive but the intention was genuinely to get an answer and preferably to see the venue open everyday.
The atmosphere for the USA v Ghana game was outstanding and I think they have missed an opportunity, which is sad.