Alex Brosque and Kofi Danning joined NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Minister for Major Events Ian McDonald and Mr Frank Lowy to launch Sydney International Fan Fest
Four giant screens will broadcast live all 64 games of the FIFA 2010 World CupTM – over the four-week Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest TM – sponsored by the NSW Government.
Sydney is one of six official international host sites and the only city in the Asia-Pacific. The other exclusive hosts are: Paris, Rome, Berlin, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.
The four screens – three on floating stages – will be set up at Cockle Bay and one in Tumbalong Park and will give football fans round the clock coverage of the FIFA World Cup™ – from Friday 11 June to Monday 12 July 2010.
The screens – up to 9.6 by 6 metres in size – will also beam back to world images of Sydney – its fans, performances and events. It is all part of an exciting schedule of events arranged by the NSW Government.
Premier Kristina Keneally, the Minister for Major Events, Ian Macdonald, the Chairman of Football Federation Australia, Frank Lowy and Sydney FC-s Alex Brosque and Kofi Danning today announced details of the extravaganza.
“Sydney will lead the world in this football extravaganza,” Premier Kristina Keneally said.
“This is about putting Sydney and Australia firmly on the international football map – particularly as we launch our bid to host the FIFA World Cup finals in 2018 or 2022.”
As part of the major event at Darling Harbour:
• 64 World Cup games will be broadcast at 9:30pm, Midnight and 4:30am;
• Matches will be replayed;
• Interactive family activities will be run during the day and night;
• Kids football workshops with Football Federation Australia;
• Freestyle football displays;
• Four giant screens including: Cockle Bay Main Screen – 9.6m x 6m, two Cockle Bay Side Screens – 7.2m x 4m, and the Tumbalong Park screen – 8.1m x 4.6m;
• Fun competitions for the public to join in – such as quizzes;
• Headline entertainment acts throughout the four weeks;
• Football clinics and competitions will be held for everyone to enjoy;
• Variety of multicultural cuisines will be available in the precinct; and
• International FIFA Fan Fest™ Global Sponsors are Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai and Sony
Mr Lowy said the Fan Fest event was a coup for Sydney and Australia.
“Australia-s performance in the last World Cup proved we are a talented football loving nation – and that Sydney is without a doubt its capital,” Mr Lowy said.
“Not only will this Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest™ bring the World Cup in South Africa home to thousands of Australians, it will show the international football community that football is part of our culture.
“We are a nation proud of our mighty Socceroos and I-m sure we-ll all be getting behind them during this year-s World Cup.”
Australia-s first match, scheduled for Monday 14 June against Germany, will take place at 4:30 am AEST, which is the Queen-s Birthday public holiday.
For the full schedule of matches and events please go to www.sydneyfifafanfest.com.au
Mr Macdonald said the Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest TM was an exciting opportunity to showcase Sydney as a major events destination to the football world.
“This fantastic event will show off our passion for sport, proving to audiences around the world Sydney is a world class destination,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Once again Sydney will demonstrate its extraordinary event capabilities,” he said.
Mr Macdonald said security measures would be put in place to ensure a safe, friendly environment for all to enjoy.
“There will be additional public transport arrangements in place to make travel to and from Darling Harbour easier, particularly at night when live matches will be broadcast,” he said.
The Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest TM is the first event to use the Major Events Act, legislated for events of major state, national and international significance.
