Football: - Expectation rises in Frankfurt prior to European Championships.
Just under two weeks before the start of the European Football Championship in Germany, Frankfurt is readying itself with much anticipation. "Things are progressing, and excitement is mounting," said Mayor Mike Josef (SPD) during a news conference on Tuesday. He hopes the event will be peaceful, safe, and enjoy pleasant weather. The championship begins on June 14th, and Frankfurt will serve as the hosting city for five matches starting June 17th.
Before the tournament officially kicks off, an opening ceremony is slated for June 12th, featuring a captivating light show, music, and historical commentary from past European Championship games. To further ignite the excitement, the Frankfurt Paulskirche will be turned into a temporary cinema over the weekend. They'll be screening "The Miracle of Bern," among other films.
When it comes to the actual championship, the city's main attraction is the 1.4-kilometer-long Fan Mile along the Main River boasting roughly 350 activities. Besides airing every game live, visitors can enjoy concerts, e-sports consoles, comedy shows, and a floating soccer field on the Main. The Opera Frankfurt is also joining in on the festivities. However, cannabis consumption is prohibited at the Fan Mile as per regulations.
In terms of infrastructure, construction work around the Main River was almost halted recently due to the current floods. Roughly 38 centimeters were lost, leading to a close one, according to Thomas Feda, managing director of the Frankfurt Tourism+Congress GmbH.
Over 1,600 volunteers will be helping out during the month-long event in Frankfurt. Every day at the main station, there will be impromptu fan zones. During match days in the city, designated fan meeting spots will be available at the Opera Square and the Roßmarkt.
The highly publicized Frankfurt railway district, which the British tabloid "Sun" dubbed "Zombieland" as the most dangerous slum in Germany, is a concern for city authorities. The mayor clarified they've put in considerable effort to improve the area's safety and appeal. These improvements—including enhanced video surveillance, a weapons prohibition zone, and increased security presence—would have been implemented regardless of the EM. Additionally, community initiatives like "Auf ins Viertel" aim to liven up the streets and foster social control.
On a budget of around 31 million euros, Frankfurt is preparing for the tournament. 14 million of that allotment will go towards the Fan Mile, and further funds will support traffic measures and provide accessible venues. Both the mayor and Hesse's athletic minister, Diana Stolz (CDU), maintain that such a massive event will repay the city in the long run—through improved moods, greater social cohesion, and economic benefits for hotels and restaurants.
