England fan zone comes to Sheffield
People are being encouraged to cheer on the Lions from Devonshire Green
Last updated 10th Jul 2018
Football’s coming home to Sheffield – as England play Croatia for a place in the final of the World Cup.
A fanzone inspired by Sheffield’s own three lions - Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Jamie Vardy - will be set up at Devonshire Green on Tuesday.
This will include a 46-square-metre outdoor screen as well as bars on the green.
"We are all on board with it at the council, it’s going to be a great event for everyone to enjoy,” says Richard Eyre, head of major events at Sheffield City Council.
"It's going to be a great family atmosphere where fans can come and cheer England on to a win."
Around 6,000 fans are expected to attend to watch England’s biggest match since the semi-final against West Germany in 1990.
The council will be working closely with South Yorkshire Police to keep people safe at the event.
Richard added: "We have had demand in Sheffield for an outdoor screen, but we feel the semi-finals is the perfect time to give the fans an alternative to watching in a bar or a pub.
“We won’t tolerate any antisocial behavior. Obviously there’s going to be a lot of people having a drink and having a good time but we would encourage people to please behave sensibly. This is a family event.”
Glass will not be allowed on site; plastic glasses will be given out by bar staff and fans will be able to bring their own drinks and food.
The Forum will be used as a bar during the event, and local bars are also encouraged to play their part in the event by using plastic glasses.
The event will start at 5.30pm and finish at 9.30pm but could be extended due to extra time and penalties. From 6pm, the screen will show live from ITV through to the finish.
Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is immensely proud of its footballing heritage and the three players who have played such prominent roles in this memorable World Cup.
“Sheffield is the home of football and in Sheffield FC, boasts the oldest club in the world so it’s fitting that three of our great sporting ambassadors are at the heart of it.
“For Sheffield it really is coming home.”
Kick off is 7pm