In Dortmund, one of the fortunate cities in North Rhine-Westphalia selected as a host for the EURO 2024 along with Gelsenkirchen, Düsseldorf, and Köln, the enthusiasm for the event is palpable. Public viewing events in the city are highly anticipated, with fans gathering in designated fan zones to support their favorite teams. However, a recent development has put a damper on the excitement for fans eager to watch the games.
The city had to cancel the planned public viewing events at Westfalenpark and Friedensplatz on Saturday, impacting fans looking forward to watching the Hungary vs. Switzerland match on a large screen at 3:00 PM. High winds and stormy weather conditions posed a risk to the safety of the outdoor screenings and event structures. The German Weather Service (DWD) issued warnings of wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour, with the potential to escalate to 65 kilometers per hour. As a result, the fan zones were set to open no earlier than 5:00 PM for the safety of attendees.
Uncertainty looms over the fate of the Spain vs. Croatia match scheduled for 6:00 PM, as city officials continue to assess the situation. Efforts are being made to ensure that the 6:00 PM match, as well as the first game in Dortmund between Italy and Albania at 9:00 PM, can still be enjoyed by fans in a communal setting.
Prior to the public viewing cancellations, over 13,500 individuals gathered to watch the opening game between Germany and Scotland at the Dortmund fan zones, with a majority of them choosing the Westfalenpark location. The fans showed their support for the German team during their impressive 5-1 victory, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The city remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans participating in the EURO 2024 festivities.
