The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has confirmed that the UEFA Euro 2020 Trafalgar Square Fan Zone will continue to host London key workers and community groups for the rest of England’s
group stage matches, before launching a public ballot for tickets to watch any potential England games in the knock-out rounds.
England’s victory over Croatia was cheered on by key workers, including NHS and London Ambulance Service staff and transport workers on Sunday. A similar number have been invited to attend the screening of the match against Scotland on Friday and the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
It had been hoped that the Fan Zone’s capacity would increase if Coronavirus restrictions were to be relaxed on June 21st . However, Monday’s announcement from the Prime Minister that rules around social distancing will remain in place for a further four weeks, means that the Fan Zone will continue to host fans seated at socially distanced tables.
Should England progress to the knock out stage, a public ballot for tickets to watch their round of 16 match will open at 9am on Wednesday 23 June. A further ballot shall take place should England progress to the quarter-finals. The Fan Zone will screen both semi-finals and the final regardless of England’s involvement.
Anyone without a ticket is being asked not to travel to Trafalgar Square and to instead enjoy the game at home or in another appropriately socially distanced setting, adhering to public health guidelines in place during the tournament.
Potters Fields Park will continue to host the Football Village, opening at midday every day, for the duration of the tournament. The Football Village is free to attend, with a range of cultural entertainment, sports and community activities, food and drink stalls and screens to watch selected matches and highlights. No England games will be shown at Potters Fields Park.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted that we are able to continue thanking our key workers and community groups by welcoming them to the Fan Zone at Trafalgar Square for England’s remaining group games. The opening weekend of the tournament was a huge success and I felt truly privileged to watch the match alongside Londoners who have given so much for our city over the last 16 months. “My mission over the next three years is to put the dark days of the pandemic behind us and to deliver a better and brighter future for all Londoners. Despite the need to maintain social distancing for longer than planned, I’m confident that the remaining weeks of Euro 2020 will still provide a vibrant celebration and economic boost to the capital.
“I urge anyone not fortunate enough to get a place in the public ballot to continue to watch the matches at home or in a Covid-safe environment.”
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “It’s brilliant that we are able to celebrate London being one of the host cities for EURO 2020 and I know that fans right across the capital will be getting behind the home nations competing.
“While this is a time for celebration, we must remember there are still restrictions in place. I encourage those without a ticket to the Fan Zones in Trafalgar Square to plan ahead and book to watch in a safe socially distanced setting.” Photo by José Goulão,wikimedia commons.