Mumbai’s Home and Office Fan Zones
As the World Cup final approaches, football enthusiasts in Mumbai are making diverse arrangements to watch the match between Spain and Argentina. With the game scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday, many are opting to create their own fan zones at home. This shift is partly due to most restaurants and pubs closing before the late-night start time, leading many to transform their living rooms into lively viewing spaces that are expected to host celebrations or commiserations until past 3 AM.
The ritual across many homes involves a large television, high volume, and familiar company, ensuring that the excitement of the match is not missed. For instance, Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, upgraded his television specifically for the event, planning to watch with his son and friends. Similarly, Tanukripa Pal, an educator from Andheri (E), is hosting a house party where friends will gather, wearing their favourite team colours to replicate the carnival atmosphere of a stadium.
Beyond homes, some workplaces are also serving as impromptu fan zones. Ashish Patil, a media professional based in Santacruz, noted that his office in South Mumbai has been hosting viewing parties throughout the knockout rounds. Due to late work shifts, it is often impractical for him to return home in time for the matches. His office plans to screen the final, continuing a tradition that has been in place since the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
West Bengal Government Organises Public Screenings
In West Bengal, the government is actively facilitating public viewings of the World Cup final. The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating arrangements for live screenings on large screens at key locations. This initiative extends beyond the main city, with similar facilities planned across various districts to ensure widespread access for football fans.
An official notification from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department, Rajesh Pandey, confirmed that all district administrations have been instructed to set up these screening facilities. Each district has been allocated ₹1 lakh for this purpose. The venues are expected to be decorated with flags and other football-themed elements to enhance the festive atmosphere.
There are also plans to invite former players and other public figures to attend these public screenings, adding to the community engagement. One of the prominent locations for a live screening is Nandan, a cultural complex, where the West Bengal government will host a viewing event.
Pre-Match Festivities and Halftime Show
The final match will be preceded by the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff. This ceremony is set to feature appearances by a range of international artists, including Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, and Post Malone.
For the first time, the World Cup final will also include a halftime show in a style similar to the Super Bowl. The lineup for this event is expected to feature artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Gustavo Dudamel with the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is serving as the creative curator for this halftime spectacle.
The anticipation for the final is palpable, with fans in Mumbai showing strong support for both competing teams. Rohan Mehta, an entrepreneur hosting a watch party in Bandra, expressed his support for Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy, potentially in his last World Cup final. However, he noted that many of his friends are backing Spain and Lamine Yamal, creating a friendly rivalry that is expected to continue until sunrise. Similarly, Suman Chakraborty, an art director, plans to watch the final with friends, supporting Spain and enjoying the performance of Marc Cucurella throughout the tournament.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
