Long awaited EURO2024 finally kicked off last Friday, June 14th in Germany. Following the hype and excitement of the Champions League, now is the time for national matches that determine the European champion. How can there be a more thrilling way to conclude the season?
Of course, it would be ideal if you could make it to a stadium to watch games live in person, but for those who cannot make it to Germany, cry no more; there are plenty of ways to enjoy the event from the comfort of your home or local community. Here you can read about some fantastic ways to enjoy EURO2024 and get inspiration for your own EURO viewing experience.
Host Viewing Parties
One of the best ways for you to enjoy the EURO2024 is to host viewing parties. This can be a good opportunity to connect with your friends and family, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Maybe you could decorate your space with flags, banners, and colors of the countries playing. Serve snacks and try making drinks that are themed around different nations.
You can even organize friendly betting pools or games to predict scores and outcomes, adding an extra layer of fun and competition to your gatherings. Also, there are a bunch of bookmakers where you can bet on EURO matches for small sums. Some bookmakers operate globally from countries like the UK, USA, Sweden, and India. There are even bookmakers that offer EURO odds in Japan, so don’t worry if you read this from the other side of the Pacific Ocean.
For those who prefer a virtual experience or when you would like to enjoy the game with your distant friends, virtual watch parties can be a great alternative. There are multiple platforms like Zoom, Discord, and dedicated watch party apps that allow fans from around the world to watch games together and even interact to share their reactions in real-time.
Join Fan Zones and Public Screenings
If you’re looking to soak up the communal atmosphere, seek out local fan zones or public screenings in your city. In many cities and towns, they organize a public viewing event with large screens in parks or squares, where you can join to watch the games with a big crowd. Going to a local sports bar can be a great way to enjoy games with other fans and support a small local business at the same time.
The energy and excitement of a crowd of passionate fans can be super thrilling. These events often include live entertainment, food stalls, and other activities, making it a fun day out. Make sure to choose the right location: sometimes screenings or events are dedicated to fans and supporters of a specific team and the last thing you want is to end up amongst the wrong crowd.
Engage in Fantasy Football or Prediction Games
Another exciting way to enjoy EURO2024 is to participate in fantasy football leagues or prediction games related to the tournament. This adds a strategic element to watching the matches, as you’ll be keenly following players’ performances and game outcomes.
Competing with friends or joining global communities online can make the experience even more engaging, as you strategize and cheer on your selected players and teams. Many betting platforms offer detailed statistics and insights, which can also enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the games.
Enhanced Engagement With A Second Screen
These days football fans are using more and more social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to have extra engagement on matches. Use these platforms to join the conversation, share your thoughts, and interact with other fans in the world!
Additionally, there are many football organizations and broadcasters who provide apps that offer interactive features such as live polls, trivia, and the ability to vote on Man of the Match. These apps enhance engagement by allowing you to participate actively during the games.
Enjoy the Cultural Aspects
EURO2024 is not just about football; it’s also a festival of the region. Use the tournament as an opportunity to learn about the participating countries. This year the tournament is hosted by Germany and competed with 24 diverse countries, including Turkey, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Poland, France, Denmark, and England.
Try cooking traditional dishes from different nations, learn a few phrases in various languages, or read up on the teams’ histories and cultural backgrounds. This enriches the viewing experience and gives you a better understanding of the football culture and other aspects of each country.
Here we covered ways to make the most out of EURO2024 even if you can’t be in Germany. As you saw, there are countless ways to enjoy the games and the entire experience. Whether you’re hosting viewing parties, joining public screenings, engaging in fantasy leagues, exploring cultural aspects, or leveraging technology for a richer experience, the excitement and spirit of EURO can be felt no matter where you are. Embrace these methods to make the tournament a memorable and enjoyable experience!
