Fan Zones for UAE 2019 unveiled
9th January 2019
Abu Dhabi: Football fans from the UAE and all over the world now know exactly where to come together when looking for a fun and engaging setting to experience the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 thanks to the launch of two official public fan zones.
Based in Towayya park in Al Ain and Al Bahar at Corniche in Abu Dhabi, the venues are offering the public with an entertaining space where they can enjoy all the drama and excitement of the tournament and an enthralling experience like no other to local and visiting football supporters from the opening match to the final on February 1.
A Vietnamese music group and Japanese Taiko drummers troop were the first to take to the stage on the opening couple of days with 50 more stage acts and 24 artists and bands confirmed to follow, providing live entertainment across the 28-day tournament. Both venues also have inflatables for kids, food trucks, mini-pitches and fun-filled games for all in the family including orb football, human foosball and more.
Open daily from 1pm to midnight, the zones are designed to serve as an informal meeting point for fans to enjoy the tournament, while experiencing the unique culture and warm hospitality of the UAE. Asian cultures will be represented heavily in the programme with participants from countries as far as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, India and China.
Besides enjoying the footballing and cultural experience at the two venues, fans will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, giveaways and match tickets to the biggest AFC Asian Cup ever.
Speaking at the unveiling of the fan zones HE Aref Al Awani said: “Watching this tournament from inside the stadiums will be just amazing, but there is something really special about the AFC Asian Cup fans zones as well. What we have created is a unique and authentic football experience that allows everyone to celebrate their love for football in a very relaxed and friendly way.”
He continued: “Football for us is all about having fun. That is what these fans zones offer, and I hope that they act as joyful meeting points where fans can create memories of a lifetime from this amazing event.”
His comments were echoed by Dato’ Windsor John, General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, who was full of excitement at the atmosphere created for fans: “Fan zones have become a unique way of experiencing big football tournaments and this competition promises to raise the bar once again.
“I have great memories of fan zones at previous competitions and when I see the images of the UAE venues I can already picture how amazing it is going to be. To have passionate fans from all over the world gathered together, singing, dancing and celebrating, that is the true spirit of football.”
Running alongside the two city fans zones are stadium zones which will allow fans to enjoy the experience of the tournament even closer to the action. Special areas are designated in the concourse areas of all the eight stadiums hosting matches of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Source: the-afc.com