ITV is to bring a slice of Brazil to the north-west of England this summer with a special World Cup Fan Park in Manchester where fans and families can watch the tournament on a giant screen.
Based at the old Granada Studios site, the Brazilian-themed park will celebrate the tournament and give fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the emotional roller coaster of the biggest football event in the world.
Games will be screened live during every match day throughout the 2014 World Cup at the event – called ITV Fever Pitch – and fans will be able to apply for free tickets online from Saturday, May 17, via itv.com/feverpitch.
Around 450 tonnes of sand will be brought in to create the Brazilian-style beach soccer stadium at the heart of the fan park, with the games broadcast live on the arena’s giant 40 square metre screen.
In addition to the beach soccer stadium, there will be areas around the site where fans and families can soak up the spirit of Brazil and excitement of the World Cup.
The ‘Little Copacabana’ beach area of the park will offer them the chance to enjoy the atmosphere and relax before the big game.
The High Tempo zone will offer visitors a chance to work up a sweat and demonstrate their own football skills, and there will also be a range of Brazilian themed food and drink on offer.
ITV Fever Pitch will be screening live World Cup games kicking-off at 5.00pm, 8.00pm or 9.00pm during the tournament.
During the group stages, the arena will also host beach soccer matches before the live action from Brazil, organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide, with fans being able to watch England’s beach soccer team take on some of the best players in the world from Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Germany.
ITV will be using the World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 13, to inspire youngsters to get active and take part in sport by running a morning community programme at the fan park, before it opens to the public, in partnership with Join In.
Schools and sports clubs from the North West will be given the opportunity to come down and have a go at beach football, with coaching provided by professional players.
This programme will be part of a wider partnership between ITV and Join In, to raise awareness and encourage more volunteers into local sport.
CLICK HERE for further details about ITV Fever Pitch
WORLD CUP 2014 ON THE BOX – WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
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