Introduction:
Germany is set to host Euro 2024, marking the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. This prestigious event was awarded to Germany by the UEFA Executive Committee in Nyon on 27 September 2018, with Türkiye being the only other contender. While West Germany hosted the 1988 edition, this will be the first time that reunified Germany will stage the UEFA European Championship. The 2006 FIFA World Cup also took place in Germany, further cementing its rich football heritage.
Key Dates and Format for Euro 2024
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament commenced on 14 June and will run until 14 July 2024. The group stage concluded on 26 June, with the knockout phase beginning on 29 June. As the host nation, Germany was seeded in Group A and took position A1, playing the opening match against Scotland, which they won 5-1 at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, 14 June. Historically, Germany (and previously West Germany) has featured in every Euro since 1972, winning the championship in 1972, 1980, and 1996.
Qualification and Group Stages
The draw for the final tournament was held in Hamburg on 2 December. Here are the groups:
- Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
- Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
- Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
- Group D: Poland*, Netherlands, Austria, France
- Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine*
- Group F: Türkiye, Georgia*, Portugal, Czechia
Similar to UEFA Euro 2020, the top two teams from each of the six groups will advance to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.
Host Cities and Venues
Germany boasts ten cities that will host matches during Euro 2024. These include nine stadiums from the 2006 World Cup and the Düsseldorf Arena. Notably, the Munich Football Arena will host matches for the second consecutive Euro, having been one of the venues for UEFA Euro 2020.
The host venues are:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (71,000 capacity)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (62,000)
- Düsseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (51,000)
Ticketing and Fan Experience
For the latest information on UEFA Euro 2024 ticketing, fans can visit the official UEFA website. Every host city will feature dedicated fan zones with public viewing installations, allowing supporters to soak up the tournament’s atmosphere even without match tickets. These fan zones are designed to enhance the overall experience, providing a lively and engaging environment.
Sustainability Measures
In response to growing societal expectations, UEFA Euro 2024 aims to lead by example in social and environmental sustainability through targeted measures and investments. The full Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy is available on the UEFA website.
Transportation and Accessibility
To promote sustainability, Euro 2024 ticket holders will have access to discounted national and international train tickets, as well as a 36-Hour Travel Pass for public transport. Travelling by train and public transport is encouraged as the most convenient and eco-friendly option during the tournament.
Official Match Ball and Mascot
The official match ball for Euro 2024 is FUSSBALLLIEBE, unveiled by UEFA and Adidas in November 2023. It features Adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time at a UEFA Euro.
The official mascot, Albärt, was selected through a vote conducted among UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe. This teddy bear mascot, introduced in June 2023, embodies the spirit of the tournament.
City Ambassadors and Volunteer Programme
Each host city has its ambassadors, including well-known football personalities and local figures:
- Berlin: Kevin-Prince Boateng
- Cologne: Harald Schumacher
- Dortmund: Roman Weidenfeller, Annike Krahn
- Düsseldorf: Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, Sandra Mikolaschek, Selin Oruz
- Frankfurt: Alex Meier, Deborah Levi
- Gelsenkirchen: Gerald Asamoah
- Hamburg: Patrick Esume
- Leipzig: Professor Dr. Jörg Junhold, Anja Mittag, Jürgen Zielinski
- Munich: Dr. Felix Brych
- Stuttgart: Cacau, Niko Kappel, Eli Seitz
The volunteer programme for Euro 2024 has attracted over 146,000 applicants, with 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations selected. Volunteers will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the tournament, welcoming guests, and embodying the event’s motto: “United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.”
Euro 2024 Official Song and eEURO
The official song for Euro 2024, “FIRE,” is a collaboration between Italian producers Meduza, American pop-rock band OneRepublic, and German singer-songwriter Leony. This track captures the excitement and passion of football and music fans alike.
The UEFA eEURO 2024 tournament, using EA SPORTS FC™ 24, began with online qualifiers in March 2024 and will conclude with the final in Germany this summer.
Exploring Germany During Euro 2024
Germany’s public transport system is highly efficient, making it easy for fans to travel between cities. Here are some tips for making the most of your journey:
- Plan Ahead: Use travel planning apps like ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ to organize your trips.
- City Passes: Consider purchasing city passes that offer free entry to museums and attractions along with public transport access.
- Scenic Routes: Take advantage of Germany’s scenic regional routes for a more picturesque travel experience.
- Bike-Friendly Options: Many cities offer bike-sharing schemes and bike-friendly public transport options, perfect for eco-friendly urban exploration.
Economic Impact
Euro 2024 is projected to generate over €2 billion in economic benefits, significantly boosting tourism and hospitality sectors. Local businesses are preparing for an influx of visitors, ensuring they are ready to meet the increased demand.
The Excitement of Euro 2024
Euro 2024 is poised to be a thrilling blend of sport, culture, and adventure, hosted in Germany, a country celebrated for its efficient public transport, captivating cities, and rich football heritage. This year’s tournament not only promises riveting matches but also provides an opportunity for fans to explore Germany with ease, thanks to a special initiative offering free public transport to all ticket holders. Moreover, Euro 2024 is making notable strides in sustainability, especially by addressing Scope 3 emissions.
Understanding Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions, often the largest part of an organization’s carbon footprint, encompass all indirect emissions within an organization’s value chain. For Euro 2024, these emissions include:
- Spectator Travel: Millions of fans traveling to and from matches.
- Team Logistics: Transportation of teams, equipment, and support staff.
- Outsourced Event Operations: Emissions from temporary infrastructure and energy use during the event.
Up to 98% of emissions from major sporting events come from Scope 3 sources, primarily spectator travel and logistics. Michele Uva, UEFA Director for Social and Environmental Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of measuring and reducing the environmental impact of football.
Addressing Scope 3 Emissions at Euro 2024
To mitigate these impacts, Euro 2024 organizers are implementing several initiatives:
- Free Public Transport for Ticket Holders: Offering free public transport for all ticket holders on match days encourages fans to use eco-friendly options instead of private vehicles. Match ticket holders receive a 36-Hour Travel Pass for the regional public transport network.
- Teams Traveling by Train: Participating national teams will travel by train between match locations, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with team logistics. This strategy allows teams to become familiar with stadiums and fans to stay in the same area for multiple matches.
Tips for Euro 2024 Fans Exploring Germany
Germany’s world-class public transport network offers extensive coverage and frequent services. Here are some tips for fans:
- Plan Your Journey: Use applications like ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ to plan a sustainable trip. Deutsche Bahn anticipates a 20% increase in service usage during the tournament.
- City Passes: Consider city passes that provide additional benefits, such as free entry to museums and attractions, along with public transport access.
- Regional Travel: Take advantage of Germany’s scenic regional routes to experience the countryside’s beauty.
- Bike-Friendly Options: Many cities have bike-sharing schemes and bike-friendly public transport, making urban exploration easy and eco-friendly.
Economic Impact and Fan Experience
Euro 2024 is projected to generate over €2 billion in economic benefits, with significant contributions from tourism and hospitality. Local businesses are gearing up for a surge in demand, and the hospitality industry is preparing to host millions of visitors. Andreas Schär, Managing Director of EURO 2024 GmbH, highlights that sustainability is integral to the tournament’s DNA, with group stage match schedules designed to minimize travel between venue cities.
FAQs:
Q1: Where Can I Find Information About Fan Zones in the Host Cities?
Each host city will have dedicated fan zones with public viewing installations. For details on locations and activities, check the event guide on the official UEFA website or the host city’s tourism website. These fan zones provide a festive atmosphere for those with and without match tickets.
Q2: How can I Travel around Germany During Euro 2024?
Ticket holders receive a 36-Hour Travel Pass for free public transport on matchdays, making it easy to travel by train, bus, or tram. Discounted national and international train tickets are also available to encourage sustainable travel.
Final Thoughts
As we anticipate the excitement of Euro 2024, it’s crucial to consider the event’s environmental impact. Addressing Scope 3 emissions is a complex but necessary step towards creating a sustainable future for international sporting events. Through innovative initiatives and the collective effort of fans, teams, and organizers, Euro 2024 is set to be a landmark event in the journey towards sustainability. This summer, let’s cheer for our favorite teams and a greener future.
Fans from around the world are set to experience an unforgettable summer of football, culture, and adventure in Germany. With a strong focus on sustainability and efficient public transport, the tournament aims to minimize its environmental impact while providing a world-class experience for all attendees. This event not only highlights the best of European football but also showcases Germany’s commitment to hosting an eco-friendly and memorable championship. Let’s come together to support our teams and celebrate a greener future for international sports.
