PLANS to give fans a "unique" opportunity to cheer on Scotland at this summer's European Championships from the country's largest fan zone in Dunfermline are at an advanced stage.
The Press can reveal that discussions to turn KDM Group East End Park into a venue that will screen matches involving the national side over 10 days in June have been ongoing over the last three months.
Dunfermline Athletic FC have been engaging with Fife Council and the emergency services to allow thousands of supporters the opportunity to watch Steve Clarke's side pit their wits at Euro 2024.
The 'Dunfermline City Fan Zone' would kick off on Friday, June 14, when Scotland play Germany in the opening game of the tournament, and run until Sunday June 23, the date of their final Group A encounter with Hungary.
Under proposals for the fan zone, which the Press first reported could be a possibility in January, seating for 3,000 spectators, including a dedicated family section, would be available on each of the 10 days it would be operational, with organisers hopeful of attracting more than 12,000 visitors in total.
Two "festival-style" LED screens would be positioned on either side of the pitch facing the Norrie McCathie Stand, which would house fans, whilst a stage would also be erected for other forms of entertainment, including interviews, bands and DJs.
Alister Burn, Dunfermline Athletic FC's commercial manager, commented: "We are pleased to say that work is well underway in bringing a fan zone for the Euro 2024 competition to KDM Group East End Park.
"It’s an exciting time for our new city and Dunfermline Athletic wants to be at the forefront of bringing unique, engaging, and inclusive events to everyone in our local community, and to attract new visitors to the city.
"Over the last three months we have been in constant dialogue with Fife Council, licensing, and emergency services to obtain all the relevant permits needed, and although this is ongoing, the club is grateful for the support and positivity shown by these key stakeholders in working together to create such an exciting and large-scale event."
It is hoped that utilising East End would create a safe, family-friendly environment for all members of the community to join in the excitement of Scotland's journey at the Euros, whilst creating an atmosphere that is the next best thing to being in Germany.
Food trucks and stalls, a fully licensed bar, and activities and entertainment would be available, whilst it is hoped that, outwith dates of Scotland's matches, which would be ticketed, the fan zone will be utilised for offering other events for the community, most of which will be free to attend.
As well as the showing other group stage matches from Germany, such ideas could include a best of Fife food festival, an outdoor movie night, a concert, and events for youngsters.
The club, who will reach out to residents living around the stadium with further communication and a consultation event, to be announced in due course, say they also have a partnership in place with Stagecoach to allow anyone with a ticket for any of the events to travel free from anywhere in Scotland.
Speaking to the Press when we first reported plans for an East End fan zone in January, Fife provost, and Pars legend, Jim Leishman, said he was "sure there would be a great response, not only from the Dunfermline area but also from the rest of Fife".
And Dunfermline and West Fife MP, Douglas Chapman, added: "For those who can’t get to Germany, this is an opportunity to bring Scotland games to the big fan zone screen and allow our fans, who can’t travel, the chance to enjoy the games in a big match like atmosphere."
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