On the day of the opening match between Switzerland and Norway, the fan zones on Barfüsserplatz and Messeplatz filled up. Around 2000 people made the fan march from the city centre to the stadium. Many hours before kick-off and during the two matches of the day, well over 5000 people were already in the fan zones. Technical problems caused problems for the cultural ambassador Klamauk.
The opening match between the teams from Switzerland and Norway heralded the start of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Basel’s ‘Joggeli’. The public viewing on Barfüsserplatz, Messeplatz and Theaterplatz was very well attended despite the high temperatures. The fan zones opened at 11 a.m. and around 5,000 visitors were counted throughout the day. ‘The capacities in the fan zones matched the crowds and the mixed audience created a very atmospheric atmosphere for both matches of the evening,’ says Sabine Horvath, overall project manager of Host City Basel, summarising the first match day.
The high temperatures were undoubtedly a problem for the visitors and the measures to combat the heat and sun were utilised accordingly. These included in particular the spray mist and refreshment stations, the air conditioning fans and the sun cream dispensers.
The fans who travelled to the event were also offered various opportunities to cool off: In the foyer of the Stadtcasino Basel, the range of listening, reading and gaming stations offered some coolness and tranquillity in pleasant temperatures. In addition, Basel Tourism’s pop-up Rhine swim provided refreshment: a lifeguard informed 137 people about the conditions and rules directly at the entrance from 1 pm to 6 pm. In addition, 83 football-themed ‘Wickelfische’ were sold.
Was cultural ambassador ‘Klamauk’ a victim of the heat?
Five hours before the Swiss team’s opening match, a DJ set from the Swiss fans’ association got the fans in the mood for the upcoming game. The Swiss Women’s National Team song was presented for the first time by the two singers Soukey and Lou Kaena.
Despite record-breaking temperatures, around 2000 people took part in the joint fan walk organised by the Norwegian and Swiss fans. The plan was for the cultural ambassador ‘Klamauk’ to lead the fan march: Tinguely’s mobile sculpture set off from Münsterplatz at 6 p.m. sharp with the chime of a bell. Unfortunately, the work, which was built on a tractor in 1979, had to stop its journey a short time later due to technical problems. The team of restorers are doing everything they can to rectify the problem so that the Klamauk can lead the fan march to the final on 27 July.