As Glasgow Rangers prepare to face Manchester United in the Europa League, an exciting event is taking shape just a stone’s throw from Old Trafford.
Bowlers Exhibition Centre, located in Trafford Park, is gearing up to host a massive gathering of Rangers fans under the banner of the ‘Rangers FanZone: Manchester Takeover.’
This event promises to bring a festival-like atmosphere for those without tickets to the match.
With doors opening at 3 PM—five hours before kick-off—the event offers much more than just a live broadcast on a massive “Super TV” screen.
Attendees can enjoy a live DJ, a loyalist singer, and even a special appearance by former Rangers defender Marvin Andrews.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, allowing under-18s, and boasts ample parking with over 300 bus spaces.
Advertisements suggest that demand is sky-high, with only a handful of tickets remaining out of the anticipated 2,000 attendees.
Echoes of 2008: A Troubled History in Manchester
The decision to host such an event may stir unease among locals, given the infamous scenes of chaos during Rangers’ 2008 UEFA Cup Final appearance in Manchester.
Back then, the arrival of over 100,000 ticketless fans led to riots and destruction across the city.
A malfunctioning big screen in the city center added to the tension, culminating in what a judge described as “the worst night of violence and destruction suffered by Manchester city centre since the Blitz.”
Eleven individuals were jailed, and 42 arrests were made.
With this history in mind, authorities are likely to be on high alert to prevent any repeat of the turmoil.
However, the organizers of the upcoming FanZone event seem committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, emphasizing its family-friendly nature.
A Busy Weekend for Manchester Police
Adding to the logistical challenges for Greater Manchester Police, Chelsea’s visit to Manchester City on Saturday further complicates crowd management.
The proximity of these games and the anticipated influx of fans from multiple clubs create a complex security operation.
Reports suggest that sections of Chelsea and Rangers supporters might gather early in Manchester, adding another layer to the already bustling atmosphere.
Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police have been coordinating efforts to manage the situation.
While the council declined detailed comments, it acknowledged its ongoing collaboration with local authorities to ensure public safety.
Celtic Fans Look to Birmingham for Champions League Action
As Rangers fans take over Manchester, their rivals, Celtic, are planning a similar event in Birmingham the following week.
Celtic supporters traveling to watch their Champions League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park will gather at Luna Springs in Digbeth Arena for a dedicated fan zone.
Dubbed “The Fanzone,” this event will feature Celtic bands and entertainment from 2 PM until 2 AM.
Celtic’s ticket allocation of just 2,100 for the match ensures that many fans will rely on this fan zone to catch the action.
Like Manchester, Birmingham is preparing for a significant influx of supporters, with authorities likely keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
What Lies Ahead?
With these events promising vibrant atmospheres but also presenting potential risks, all eyes will be on the coordination between authorities, organizers, and fans.
Will these fan zones set a precedent for peaceful, enjoyable gatherings, or will the shadow of past incidents loom large?
Only time will reveal how these matches and their accompanying celebrations unfold.
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