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Spain have done it: following their 2–0 victory over France, „La Furia Roja“ are through to the World Cup final. And, of course, people on the Costa Blanca aren’t just sitting quietly in front of the telly either. Towns, local councils and event organisers are gearing up for the football event of the year – with big screens, fan zones and a list that is likely to keep growing until Sunday.
Spain beat favourites France 2–0 in the semi-final and are now through to a World Cup final for the first time since winning the title in 2010. The goals were scored by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. Above all, however, the Selección impressed with their composure, calmness and a defence that gave France hardly any breathing space.
Now the whole of Spain is waiting for the final on Sunday, 19 July. The opponent will be decided in the second semi-final between England and Argentina.
For the Costa Blanca, this means that Sunday evenings will be noisy in many places. Very noisy. And very sociable. If you don’t want to cheer on La Furia Roja alone on the sofa, you’ll find the first public viewing venues listed here. The list will be updated regularly as more local authorities officially confirm their plans.
Many screenings were initially organised for the semi-finals. Now that the team has reached the final, several cities are following suit or confirming screenings that were already planned. So, be sure to check the official channels again just before you set off.
Alicante is banking on the Centro de Tecnificación. The city had already earmarked the venue for the Spanish national team’s matches – including any knockout rounds right up to the final. The plans include two large screens at the side of the pitch, as well as the Pabellón’s video screens.
Admission is free. According to the information currently available, the doors will open one hour before the match starts. You are not permitted to bring alcoholic drinks onto the premises.
Status: intended for Spain’s World Cup campaign right through to the final
Location: Training Centre, Alicante
Admission: free of charge
Note: Admission up to full capacity; no alcoholic drinks.
El Muelle Live, in the port of Alicante, had also established itself as a meeting place for football fans by the time of the semi-finals. Instead of a concert evening, there was a big screen, a supporting programme, food and drink, and plenty of red and yellow.
For the final, you should check directly with the organiser once again to see whether the format will be repeated on Sunday.
Status: Semi-final confirmed, final still to be confirmed
Location: El Muelle Live, Port of Alicante
Admission: free of charge, as per the current format, up to capacity limits
Note: Admission to harbour events may be restricted at short notice.
When Benidorm watches football, it’s hardly ever in hushed tones. The Auditorio Julio Iglesias had been billed as the main venue for the semi-final. The doors opened as early as 6 pm; entry was free, and there was food, drink and music on offer before kick-off.
It goes without saying that Benidorm intends to stage another grand event for the final. However, the official details of the final are yet to be confirmed.
Status: Semi-final confirmed; final still to be officially confirmed
Location: Julio Iglesias Auditorium, Benidorm
Admission: free for the semi-final
Note: Be early. Benidorm, July and the Spanish final aren’t a good combination for „we’ll set off five minutes early“.
Dénia is already one step ahead. The town had set up a big screen in Campo Diego Mena for the semi-final and announced that, should Spain reach the final, the match would be shown there again on Sunday 19 July. That is exactly what has now happened.
For the semi-final, the doors opened at 8 pm. Alcohol was not permitted, and there were no plans to operate a bar. The city recommended travelling by public transport, including on lines L1 and L5 to Plaza de Cholet.
Status: Final announced
Location: Campo Diego Mena, Dénia
Date: Sunday, 19 July
Note: No alcohol, no bar service as before – bring your own water.
In Calp, the World Cup final falls on a weekend that’s already packed with events: the Festes de la Mare de Déu del Carme bring together music, harbour activities and a summery evening atmosphere. A big-screen broadcast of the World Cup final has been announced for Sunday at 9 pm.
Fans had already been cheering on the semi-final live on a big screen at Playa de la Fossa. For the final evening, the exact venue should be checked once more with the local council or via the current festival programme shortly before the announcement.
Status: Final broadcast announced
Location: Calp – check the exact area in the festival programme
Date: Sunday, 19 July, 9 pm
Note: With the festival programme and the football on, it’s likely to be busier than on a normal Sunday evening.
Torrevieja had previously shown Spain’s matches on a big screen at the Teatro Municipal. The venue has a clear advantage: fixed seating, a sheltered setting and less need for improvisation than in an open-air square.
You should check with the city council, Turismo Torrevieja or Cultura Torrevieja before setting off to see whether the Teatro Municipal will also be open for the final.
Status: Previous matches confirmed; final still to be confirmed
Location: Teatro Municipal, Torrevieja
Note: If it does open, the following is likely to apply: free entry until capacity is reached.
Large screens have also been announced for the semi-final in several other towns across the province, including La Vila Joiosa, Finestrat, Callosa d’en Sarrià, Elche, Villena, Orihuela and other municipalities. Many are deciding at short notice whether to set them up again for the final.
This list will be updated as soon as new locations are officially confirmed.
Public viewing sounds simple: turn up, cheer, and that’s it. But with a World Cup final, it’s rarely quite that relaxed. Free entry, packed venues and summery temperatures mean you need to plan a bit.
So, before you set off, have a quick check:
Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, Calp, Torrevieja – by Sunday evening, the Costa Blanca should know pretty much exactly who it’s cheering for. And if a screen pops up somewhere at the last minute, we’ll add it to the list.
After all, when it comes to a World Cup final, the rule is: if you find a good spot, you should keep it. If you don’t find one, you’ll make new friends by the time the first goal is scored at the latest.
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