The next best thing to actually being in the stadium for the opening ceremony of the World Cup is, without doubt, the FIFA Fan Fest. Blaring music, good food and beverages and thousands of screaming fans from all around the world. It truly is an experience in itself.
From the beaches of Brazil to the cold open grounds of Russia, the FIFA Fan Fest is here to enthrall the masses during the World Cup. The “World Cup experience” as people call it, is incomplete without visiting these pulsating large-scale parties. And, with Russia beating Saudi Arabia in a thoroughly entertaining opening game of the World Cup, there was just no end to the festivities.
The atmosphere is what brings, say, the Argentine and Brazilian fan together, something unheard of anywhere else. The fans party together with the hosts playing music across different genres until the game starts. After that, they celebrate, gasp, weep, shout in anger and let out every other emotion known as the game progresses.
Without doubt, it is the South Americans who steal the show at every Fan Fest. Long-time absentee from the World Cup Peru might not stand much chance in the tournament, but boy do these fans win the award for being the real party animals. Turning up in scores, they are everywhere.
Waiting in the long winding line outside before the first game, I meet a Peru fan and I ask him why there are so many of them around. He looks at me, a wide smile appearing on his face, and says: “Thirty six years, my friend. Too long. Way too long. You have no idea how long we've waited for this.” Turns out every Peru fan I meet gives me the same reason. (I can't help but wonder what India's fan representation would be like when we finally make the World Cup!)
The FIFA fan fest offers those who do not have a match ticket to watch the games for free in open spaces with thousands of other fans. Matches will be shown at these locations throughout the tournament. It also gives fans an opportunity to mix with people from around the world and get a taste of the cultural heritage of the host nation.
Besides broadcasting the games live on large screens, the venue also has cultural performances, interactive stalls, fan shops and a food court. Sponsored installations are all around the place.
The Moscow fest is situated within walking distance from the Luzhniki stadium, in front of the enormous, iconic main building of the Lomonosov Moscow State University—a symbol of Soviet-era architecture. It is spread over an area of 36,000 square metres atop a hill near the picturesque Moscow river.
Below the large screen is a 27-metre stage set for artistes to perform and entertain fans. Sometimes, even football icons will take stage to interact with fans. And they even provide free Wi-Fi!
But, the festive mood that the Fan Fest would conjure up was dampened by protests from students of the university, who claim that the fests would disrupt their studies. The tournament coincides with the university's final exams. Students also insisted that the masses would destroy the vast green spaces.
This may be a black mark on the grand opening, but such protests or controversies are no strangers to FIFA World Cups. The party will go on as thousands of fans from tens of countries will enjoy together at this grand iconic venue.