Football enthusiasts in Mumbai and West Bengal are making extensive preparations for the upcoming World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. With the match scheduled to kick off close to midnight on Sunday, many are opting for home viewing parties and organised public screenings to catch the action.
In Mumbai, the late kick-off time means that many pubs and restaurants will be closed. This has led to a trend of residents transforming their homes into personal fan zones. Mithun Dasgupta, a finance professional from Vikhroli, shared his excitement about watching the match on a new television with his son and friends. Similarly, Tanukripa Pal, an educator from Andheri (E), is hosting a house party where guests plan to wear their favourite team colours, aiming to replicate the festive atmosphere of a stadium.
Beyond home viewing, some workplaces in Mumbai are also serving as impromptu fan zones. Ashish Patil, a media professional based in Santacruz, noted that his office in South Mumbai has been hosting viewing parties throughout the knockout rounds. Due to his work schedule, it is often impossible for him to reach home in time for the matches, making the office a convenient location to watch with colleagues. This arrangement is set to continue for the final.
Public Screenings and Festivities
The West Bengal government is organising a live screening of the FIFA World Cup final at Nandan, a prominent cultural centre. This initiative aims to provide a communal viewing experience for football fans in the region. Similar arrangements are being made for live screenings on large screens in key locations across various districts, ensuring wider access for enthusiasts.
The Youth Services and Sports Department is coordinating these arrangements in consultation with other departments. An official notification from the Additional Chief Secretary of Youth Services and Sports department, Rajesh Pandey, indicated that each district administration has been allocated Rs 1 lakh to set up screening facilities. The venues are expected to be decorated with flags and other football-themed elements, and former players and public figures are likely to be invited to attend these screenings.
Anticipation and Entertainment
The final match itself is preceded by a World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off. This ceremony is expected to feature performances by various artists, including Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, and Post Malone.
For the first time, the World Cup final will also include a Super Bowl-style halftime show. The lineup for this event includes artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy. Chris Martin of Coldplay is serving as the creative curator for the halftime show.
In Mumbai, there is notable support for both competing teams. Rohan Mehta, an entrepreneur hosting a watch party at his Bandra home, is backing Argentina, hoping to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy. However, many of his friends are supporting Spain and Lamine Yamal, creating a friendly rivalry among viewers. Suman Chakraborty, an art director, plans to watch the final at a friend’s place, supporting Spain and expressing enjoyment for Marc Cucurella’s performance throughout the tournament.
Community Engagement
The widespread preparations in both Mumbai and West Bengal highlight the significant community engagement surrounding the World Cup final. Whether through private gatherings or public events, fans are eager to share the experience of the match. The efforts by the West Bengal government to facilitate public screenings underscore a commitment to fostering a collective celebration of the sport.
The diverse viewing preferences, from home parties to office gatherings and large-scale public events, reflect the varied ways in which fans are choosing to experience the culmination of the tournament. The inclusion of a Super Bowl-style halftime show and a star-studded closing ceremony further adds to the spectacle surrounding the final match on Sunday.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
