South Africans got their second taste of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup during the final draw that was held in Cape Town on 4 December 2009. But while the official FIFA delegation and VIP guests were gathered in the International Convention Centre for the official proceedings, the public donned party shoes and enjoyed the festivities in the Mother City's Long Street. Although this street has not been listed as an official FIFA Fan Park, this event and the atmosphere were simulations of what soccer fans are most probably going to experience during June and July 2010.
Compiled by Annalise Kempen
Selected information provided by Asst Comm Ben Groenewald
Official Fan Parks
The concept of fan parks was pioneered during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, allowing those fans who did not have match tickets, to join in the spirit of the games at other official venues. These parks played an important role in the success of the event as it allowed for the watching of the games at secure venues. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, each of the nine host cities will set up Fan Parks with the same function as during the previous World Cup. These Parks provide for, among others, the live screening of matches on video screens which will enable local fans and international visitors to follow the matches in an official FIFA World Cup environment, but with one huge advantage - they can do so free of charge.
According to the agreement which FIFA has entered into with the nine host cities, the latter have to "provide FIFA, free of charge and in accordance with FIFA’s requirements with a suitable location at or near the centre of the Host City which is easily accessible by public transportation, for the establishment and cooperation by FIFA of at least one FIFA Fan Park for the duration of the Competition".
The Host City has the responsibility to ensure that the necessary security is provided for (at no cost to the organisers); that it is fenced off and that access to the park is free. The same rights protection applicable to the ten stadiums is also applicable to the Fan Parks, which means that no third party advertising is allowed apart from FIFA's commercial affiliates (sponsors). The security of such a Fan Park must be guaranteed even during closing times.
Another important aspect that the host cities have to take into consideration during their selection of Fan Parks, is that these sites must not have a commercial name or be a commercial entity. If, for example, a Fan Park is situated at a sports grounds which has existing commercial partners/advertisers, their advertising should be removed/covered for the duration of the event. In terms of the Host City Agreements, strict guidelines exist in terms of which advertising and marketing are allowed at the official Fan Parks. However, if more than one Fan Park exists in one host city, already existing third party branding and/or advertising does not need to be covered up on connecting roads and paths that are not part of the official Fan Park.
Although some of the larger cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg are likely to have more than one Fan Park, the following venues have been selected as the official Fan Parks in the host cities:
Bloemfontein : Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre
Cape Town : Grand Parade
Durban : New Beach (near the Elangeni Hotel)
Johannesburg : Elcah Stadium Soweto
: Innisfree Park, Sandton
Nelspruit : Bergvlam High School
Polokwane : Polokwane Cricket Club
Port Elizabeth : St George’s Park Cricket Stadium
Pretoria : To be announced
Rustenburg : Fields College
In addition to the nine host cities, Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney were unveiled as locations for the FIFA Fan FestTM (Fan Parks) on 23 November 2009. It is expected that millions of fans are to watch the matches live at these venues and experience the unique ambiance of the biggest international sports event, in these outdoor areas. As stated earlier, the entrance will be free, and all 64 matches will be broadcast on giant screens in a safe and secure environment.
Public Viewing Areas (PVA)
Public Viewing Areas are not owned by FIFA and are initiated and managed by municipalities/ provinces. Outside of host cities, PVAs can attract a lot of viewers. Non-sponsors of FIFA can also sell their products and display their brands without restrictions, as long as they do not ambush a FIFA event. It is also recommended that all PVAs organised by local government be operated as non-commercial public events, which means that no entrance fees will be charged in order to ensure sufficient differentiation with Fan Parks and other Commercial Public Events. If no entrance fees are charged it will make these areas more accessible to the majority of the population.
As municipalities will manage PVAs, they have the task to arrange support in terms of fire, health and emergency services and security. As limited capacity exists in terms of these services, PVAs have been limited to one per municipal district, totalling a maximum of 47 PVAs. The SAPS' role will be confined to the investigation of any serious crimes if committed at such venues. Municipalities will have to accept responsibility for all aspects such as access control (if applicable), while the Metro Police or private security officers provided by the organising municipality will have to ensure the maintenance of law and order and the prevention of crime at the respective PVAs. It is recommended that the guidelines, stipulating one security officer for every 100 spectators, are adhered to. Full details of PVAs need to be communicated with the respective Metro Police Departments and the SAPS to enable contingency planning.
Various sets of legislation in terms of the trade of liquor in these areas need to be adhered to, including national and provincial liquor legislation. Specific regulations need to be complied with, such as that liquor will only be sold and consumed within the demarcated areas within the public viewing area/event. Another regulation is that beer and any other liquor products should, due to safety reasons, only be sold and served in plastic containers not exceeding volumes of more than 500 ml per cup. Those under the influence of liquor or any other substances that may affect their state of mind, will be removed from the PVAs.
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During the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, more than 18 million fans gathered at the 12 official Fan Parks and transformed Germany into one of the greatest fan parties of all times. As these Parks will have the "look and feel" of a stadium environment, those who will be watching their favourite team from there, might just have the feeling that they are at the stadium itself. In addition to the high quality giant screens and sound/light systems, these Fan Parks will host all day events, prior and after the live matches.
Sources:
SA Government. 2009. Guidelines on Public Viewing Areas.
http://www.sa2010.gov.za/ - accessed on 5 and 6 February 2010.
http://www.mediaclubsouthafrica.co.za/
- accessed on 6 February 2010http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/
fanfest/index.html
http://www.gameplan2010.com/images/Berlin_Fan_Park
