Lovers of football fans will be able to bid for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the object of their affections as tickets for the UEFA Cup Final 2008 in Manchester go on sale that day.
A giant example of the tickets was shown off today (Wednesday 23 January 2008) by football legend and former City and United star Denis Law, ambassador for the Final.
And with him at the City of Manchester Stadium, venue for the final on 14 May, were children from St Brigid's RC Primary School in Beswick who will take part in a 3v3 (three-a-side) Street Football competition in the lead-up to the Final.
Tickets for the UEFA Cup Final will go on sale on 14 February exclusively via Europe's football website http://www.uefa.com/
Fans - or their lovers - will be able to apply for up to two tickets each between then and 14 March. Tickets will be awarded by ballot and every valid application will enter the ballot.
There are 11,000 tickets available for sale to fans worldwide. In addition, each finalist club will be able to take up to 13,000 tickets for distribution directly to its supporters.
Ticket prices will be £35, £55, £75 and £95. For details visit http://www.uefa.com/.
The ticket design incorporates a stylised image of the distinctive City of Manchester Stadium structure by leading contemporary artist Liam Spencer, a Rossendale-based artist with strong artistic links to Manchester.
Liam has created three major pieces of work that are being used on publicity materials ranging from stadium decoration to posters and websites. In addition to the one on the ticket, he has painted a glowing aerial view of the Stadium and an image of football fans enjoying the spectacle of a top-level match.
Football takes to the streets…
The 3v3 Street Football competition, developed by Manchester City Council in partnership with UEFA, is one of the major benefits of the city hosting the UEFA Cup Final for the wider community.
It will involve more than 600 young people across the city, including girls, boys and disabled children.
The competition will start on 18 February, with qualifying rounds across the city for each of the four individual competitions:
- Primary School Boys 3v3s
- Primary School Girls 3v3s
- Disability Football 3v3s
- Streetlife Football 3v3s
Streetlife Football is a social inclusion programme run by Manchester City Council for those aged 10 to 16 that engages a diverse range of young people.
The UEFA Cup Final 3v3 Street Football Finals will be staged in the city centre on 14 May 2008, on the same day as the UEFA Cup Final.
On the day of the UEFA Cup Final 2008 itself, up to 130 young people will compete in the final stages of the competition in an inflatable football arena in the city centre before moving on to the City of Manchester Stadium to enjoy the big match.
Chance to see the trophy
In mid-March the UEFA Cup will be handed over to the City of Manchester by the holders Sevilla FC. The trophy will then go on a tour of venues across Manchester.
During the week of the Final, there will also be special activities for football fans in the city centre, with music, entertainment, food and drink.
Media contact:
Martin Hellewell, tel: 0161 234 3729