The EURO Experience Tour has started its five-month trip around 13 cities in Switzerland and Austria, beginning in Basel.
Inauguration
The tour, featuring the world’s biggest inflatable tour tent, a giant screen and a hot-air balloon in the shape of the UEFA European Championship trophy, had its opening ceremony at Basel’s Rosentalanlage. It will run until 29 June.
Goals on film
The curtain-raiser included the screening of a 25-minute film, EURO Experience, on the giant screen – highlighting the most spectacular scenes from the 12 previous European Championships. “Football lives through its stories and its goals,” said Martin Kallen, Euro 2008 SA’s chief operating officer.
Silver service
This European footballing circus will also boast a smaller tent housing a multimedia area and displaying the original Henri Delaunay trophy. Perhaps the highlight for visitors – and entry will be free to all football fans – is the chance to have photos taken with the trophy itself.
Big attraction
“It was very important to attract everyone to this event, especially young footballers,” said UEFA Executive Committee member Giangiorgio Spiess. Kallen added: “We want to get people in the mood for 7 June – the day of the opening game.” To generate enthusiasm for the tour, the hot-air balloon in the shape of the Henri Delaunay trophy will fly over each city the day before it arrives in town. Dr Hanspeter Weisshaupt, EURO delegate for Basel, said: “We are proud to host the tour and especially the opening match of UEFA EURO 2008™.”
Tour details
The EURO Experience Tour will remain in Basel until 3 February before visiting Geneva (7-10 February), Zurich (21-24 February) and Berne (28 February to 2 March). It will then take in Lausanne, Innsbruck, Linz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, Graz, Lugano and Lucerne before settling in Vienna from 5 June until the UEFA EURO 2008™ final on 29 June. The usual opening times for the tents are 9.00 to 18.00.
