World Cup 2014: ITV brings Fever Pitch to Manchester

ITV will open a Brazilian-themed World Cup ‘fan park’ in Manchester to celebrate the tournament, and give fans and families the opportunity to immerse themselves in the emotional roller coaster of the biggest football event in the world.

Games will be screened live every match day throughout the 2014 World Cup at the event, called ITV Fever Pitch, which will be situated at the Old Granada Studios site in Manchester.

450 tonnes of sand will be brought in to create a Brazilian-style beach soccer stadium at the heart of the fan park, with the games broadcast live on the arena’s giant 40 square metre screen.

During the group stages, the arena will also host beach soccer matches before the live action from Brazil, organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide, with fans being able to watch England’s beach soccer team take on some of the best players in the world from Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica and Germany.

ITV will be using the World Cup to inspire youngsters to get active and take part in sport by running a morning community programme at the fan park, before it opens to the public, in partnership with Join In. Schools and sports clubs from the North West will be given the opportunity to come down and have a go at beach football, with coaching provided by professional players. This programme will be part of a wider partnership between ITV and Join In, to raise awareness and encourage more volunteers into local sport.

In addition to the beach soccer stadium, there will be areas around the site where fans and families can soak up the spirit of Brazil and excitement of the World Cup. The ‘Little Copacabana’ beach area of the park will offer them the chance to enjoy the atmosphere and relax before the big game. The High Tempo zone will offer visitors a chance to work up a sweat and demonstrate their own football skills, and there will also be a range of Brazilian themed food and drink on offer.

Brace yourself. It’s going to be emotional