With parts of Glasgow Green currently being transformed into the Euro 2020 fan zone, new photos show how the event will work.
Running for 31 days from June 11 to July 11, the fanzone will cover the entire tournament as well as providing a "festival atmosphere" with food, drinks and activities such as live music performances, comedy acts and other entertainment.
Billy Garrett, director of sport and events for Glasgow Life, has stated that the organisers are doing everything they can to ensure the event is safe for everyone who attends.
He told the Daily Record : "I’m excited and I’m confident and we stand ready to respond to the ever-changing situation.
“This will be the most heavily managed, heavily stewarded, closely policed and monitored outdoor event in the country so far."
How many fans will be allowed to attend?
Though there are several parties who have expressed fears mass gatherings of up to 6,000 fans a day at the fanzone could lead to a return to level three, organisers say the event, which is situated between McLennan Arch and the People’s Palace, will be carefully managed and socially distanced at every stage.
Glasgow Green, which usually has a capacity for around 80,000, will accommodate just 3,000 people per session, with social distancing measures put in place and fans largely seated in groups of up to six people.
Garret has stated that the area will be strictly controlled and the restricted numbers will mean there is a very low risk of infection.
What happens when you book your ticket?
To keep the numbers firmly controlled, the event is ticketed, meaning fans will have to book in advance. The tickets for the match days are free, though some charges will apply for the cultural events.
When they do they'll be asked to choose between the Food and Beverage Garden, and the Family Picnic Area.
The Food and Beverage Garden
In the Food and Beverage Garden, you can book a table for up to six people, in line with Scottish Government COVID guidelines.
Each table will then have access to the big screens, a view of the stage for the cultural performances, a picnic area and sports activities.
Food and drink, including alcohol, can be purchased - but this will be table service only to ensure social distancing is maintained. Orders can be made via a QR code and fans will be served whilst they are seated.
Family Picnic area
You can book tickets for up to six people for this area which is an alcohol-free zone and is aimed at families with children and will offer some limited food and non-alcoholic drinks.
The two areas are segregated meaning fans who book here won't be able to access to the Food and Beverage Garden during their visit and will only be able to watch the games, with the other live entertainment only viewable from the Food and Beverage Garden.
When will the fanzone be open?
Times vary slightly depending on the match schedule but will be approximately 12 pm to 3:30/4pm and 4.30/5pm to 10pm
What other safety measures are in place?
The organisers have confirmed that stewarding will be in place to prevent a repeat of the scenes at George Square recently, with Mr Garret confirming: “We have stewards on place to deal with any boisterous behaviour and I’m confident we wouldn’t have to pull the plug on the entire event if one or two people misbehave.
“If anyone does want to ruin it for others then we’ll be able to deal with it. We don’t expect anything like the George Square incident at Glasgow Green or at Hampden. It’s just not that kind of event.”
All of the tables are distanced 2m apart from each other and are allocated to allow spectators to ensure physical distancing is maintained.
They've also confirmed they have increased the frequency of cleaning in all their public areas, including tables, toilets and all sporting activations.
While alcohol-based hand sanitiser stations located throughout the Fan Zone, while all staff will be issued with the appropriate PPE.
Spectators will be required to wear a face-covering whilst moving around Glasgow Green. Face coverings may be removed when seated at your table in the Beverage Garden or sat /stood within your booking in the Family Area.
They can also be removed when taking part in the sporting activations. This has been made mandatory by the Scottish Government unless you are medically exempt.
Clear and informative signage has also been put up to ensure fans know what's happening at each stage and area of the event.
Any other rules?
Though some food will be permitted to be brought in, alcohol not bought from the Food and Beverage Garden will not be allowed.
UEFA rules have also banned bagpipes from the games and fanzones over fears they could help spread the virus, and have said no one can enter venues with “any devices” that make a sound.
Will fans need to take a test before attending?
Testing will not be mandatory for the Euro 2020 fanzone, and attendees will not require to show a negative result before entry is granted.
However, organisers are strongly encouraging all ticket holders and their groups to take a rapid lateral flow test before attending the Fan Zone to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
A post on the site reads: "This should be taken at home less than 48hours before attending, and you should self-isolate with your household and seek a confirmatory PCR test if your result is positive."
How will they ensure only fans with tickets can enter?
The area is fenced and stewards and police will be in place at the entrance and exits, to ensure anyone entering has a ticket.
In addition, fans will not be allowed back into the event if they leave early.
What will happen if cases rise across the city?
Mr Garrett said the city council and partners including the Scottish Government and Police Scotland - were ready to change plans if Covid dictates.
He said: “We accept people are nervous. We will monitor the situation and if we think there is any intervention we need to make then we will make it.
“We are not complacent. There’s been a collaborative multi-agency approach to this event, working with all the partners, the police, clinicians and the Scottish Government and this is one of their gateway events for recovery.”
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