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Fan zones have always been part of the plans for this occasion


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from the coonsul

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/...php?newsID=3620

Manchester welcomes thousands of football fans

Published Wednesday 7th May 08 in Leisure, libraries and culture news

Manchester is finalising major plans to welcome thousands of football fans when the UEFA Cup Final kicks off on Wednesday May 14.

Tens of thousands of fans will arrive in the city to enjoy themselves in the run-up to the 7.45pm kick-off at the City of Manchester stadium.

Supporters from Glasgow's Rangers FC and Zenit St. Petersburg are urged not to travel to Manchester without a ticket. But realistically, city chiefs know that thousands will want to be near their club during the crucial match.

And city chiefs today urged businesses, pubs and hotels to welcome the fans to create a helpful and enjoyable atmosphere.

Major events bring in millions of pounds to Manchester's economy, supporting local businesses and jobs for local people. Estimates predict the UEFA Cup Final will bring approximately £5 million to the city.

Detailed travel and entertainment plans are being put in place to manage those who do arrive without tickets.

Manchester City Council city centre spokeperson Councillor Pat Karney said:" It's going to be a fantastic busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

"There will be dedicated zones for the football fans. Fans will be ambassadors for their clubs and their cities, so our message to them is: please don't let down your home city.

"And for everyone who lives and works in Manchester, we are advising them to enjoy the atmosphere and to make sure they allow extra time for important journeys.

"Manchester is excellent at hosting major events and - just like the Commonwealth Games and major political conferences - we want people to welcome our visitors and enjoy the busy atmosphere."

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police said:"Manchester loves its football and we are delighted that the city is hosting this final. Everyone is looking forward to hosting both sets of fans.We are experts in policing major football events and we want the day to be as enjoyable as possible for supporters, residents and businesses.

"Everyone in Manchester has a part to play in creating an enjoyable and busy atmosphere. We want pubs and hotel to be open and to be properly staffed so that we can give visitors a proper welcome.

"The city centre has the capacity to accommodate thousands of people and city centre fan zones have always been part of the plans for this occasion. We want to deliver a successful event for everyone who lives and works in Manchester and for our visitors".

Entertainment, food and drink will be available in dedicated fan zones for supporters in locations including Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens.

Castlefield will host a series of three-a-side football tournaments for young people from across the city, known as the UEFA Cup Final 2008 Manchester 3v3s.

There will be clearly-signed walking routes and shuttle buses for fans with tickets from the city centre to the stadium.

Ranger fans are also being encouraged to stay in Glasgow with the screening of the match at Ibrox.

Media contacts:

Adrian Worsley, Greater Manchester Police, 0161 8562220 Martin Hellewell, Manchester City Council 0161 234 3729.

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If, Gerry Donnellan is so enthusiastic about welcoming visiting Rangers fans, then why is he sending Police Officers to hotels in the city centre "advising" staff that "if there is a major incident, officers may not be able to attend your premises" ?.

This guy is a complete prick, and a liar.

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You would have thought he would have been pleased to welcome the people who don't sing the praises of the bastards who bombed his city but no matter, we are British people traveling in Britain and no trumped up plod who has never quite forgiven us for the potato famine is going to spoil it for us :unionflag:

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If, Gerry Donnellan is so enthusiastic about welcoming visiting Rangers fans, then why is he sending Police Officers to hotels in the city centre "advising" staff that "if there is a major incident, officers may not be able to attend your premises" ?.

This guy is a complete prick, and a liar.

Because he has had his arse kicked by many people including politicians and others. ;)

It's a result. Well done to all bears who helped put the pressure on.

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