A NEW ‘Fan Zone’ in Liberty Wharf – with four 55-inch LED screens – will be trialled for a live screening of the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.
From 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, local businesses will open up their al fresco areas at Liberty Wharf for the England v Australia match, which kicks off at 11am.
Islanders and visitors are invited to support their team in a ‘community atmosphere’, according to a statement from the government.
The ‘Fan Zone’, which could be used for future cultural and sporting events if the pilot is successful, forms part of the government’s push to support grassroots sport in Jersey.
Should England triumph in the semi-finals, officials intend to repeat the event on Sunday morning for the World Cup final at 11am (where Spain have already booked a slot).
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, Assistant Economic Development Minister with responsibility for sport, said: ‘A World Cup semi-final featuring a team supported by many Islanders is a brilliant occasion to celebrate and enjoy, in any sport, and I am so happy that we have been able to use this opportunity to hold our Fan Zone pilot at Liberty Wharf.
‘The promotion of women’s sport in Jersey is something I am extremely passionate about and I really hope this is something that people of all ages and demographics are keen to engage with.
‘I hope the Fan Zone will be a great hub for Islanders and tourists to come together as a community to watch exciting national and international events, as well as providing benefits to businesses in the area. We will look at the success of this pilot, including attendances and logistics, before committing to anything further, but I do hope this will act as a springboard for future community events.’
She thanked St Helier parish officials for assistance in organising the event at short notice and to local businesses at Liberty Wharf for their support.
Four 55-inch LED screens are being installed for the event and food, refreshments and seating will be available in the already-designated al fresco area, outside The Rigatoni, Seafish Café and Meat and Eat.
The Fan Zone will have a capacity of up to 200 but the main entrance to Liberty Wharf and other businesses in the area will remain unaffected for the duration of the event.
People wishing to visit will still be able to.
