Are you heading to the Euros in the summer but sickened at the exorbitant cost of Polish hotels? Here’s a solution that might be of interest.
Irish travel company DB Sports have announced plans for a campsite, or an Irish fan village, that will be able to host up to 9,000 followers of the Boys in Green in Poznan for the duration of the group stages.
We first became aware of the village when chatting to Dean Arrowsmith from Back the Bid a few weeks back and more details have emerged about what exactly will be in store for the thousands of Irish supporters prepared to set up camp in what Dean described as “a bit like Oxegen but for football fans”.
Visitors to the fan village will be able to avail of pre-pitched tents while there will also be room for up to 250 camper vans. There will be shower and toilet facilities, restaurants, WiFi and a healthy supply of bars to keep the booze flowing.
“This will be a home from home for Irish fans,” Village spokesman Antonio Mantero told The Sun.
“We’re working closely with our Polish partners. We’ve said, ‘These are Irish fans, they like to eat and drink simply’. We’ve given them 16 different menu options to draw up.”
A lakeside location in the city centre is expected to be finalised later this week in Poznan, where Ireland play Croatia on 10 June and Italy in the final group game on 18 June. In between, Ireland have the unenviable task of squaring up to reigning European and World champions Spain in Gdansk on 14 June and the fan Village will be laying on a coach service to transport fans to the game and back to the Village afterwards.
Not only that, but a wide range of entertainment is being planned for the duration of the Irish supporters’ visit, with music, mini-golf and even a zoo nearby to while away the idle hours.
“We’re talking with several Irish bands about coming over to play,” Mantero added.
“There will be things to do nearby for non-match days, there’s a zoo, a new waterpark, mini-golf and a man-made beach.
“We’ll be trying to do it as cheaply as possible. We’ll have three different packages for people who want to stay different lengths of time.”
A load of happy Irish fans, plenty of beer and a zoo all in the one place? What’s not to love?
For more information on the village, check out their Facebook page.
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