Aalst transforms parking lot into fan village for World Cup matches

Aalst, Belgium, is gearing up to host a significant fan village for the upcoming World Cup matches of the Belgian national team, the Rode Duivels. The parking lot of the Keizershallen is currently being transformed into a vibrant hub for supporters, with essential infrastructure like fences, beer tents, mobile payment stations, and sanitary facilities already in place.

The final touches, including the installation of a large screen and sound system, are scheduled for the day of the first match against Egypt. This setup is necessary because the fan village is situated on a public parking lot, requiring swift dismantling after the game to allow normal parking the following day.

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If the weather is good, I think we can count on a considerable turnout.

Organizers, led by Sven Uyttersprot, a finalist from the 2021 season of the TV show "De Mol," are optimistic about attendance. "If the weather is good, I think we can count on a considerable turnout," Uyttersprot stated. The fan zone, spanning 1,250 to 2,500 square meters, is estimated to accommodate between 1,000 and 1,500 fans per game.

This initiative continues a tradition in Aalst that dates back to 2014, a notable effort as many other municipalities are not setting up similar public viewing events this year. Uyttersprot emphasized the enduring enthusiasm for the national team, noting, "The excitement around the national team and the World Cup is always there, so we never really doubted whether to do it or not."

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The excitement around the national team and the World Cup is always there, so we never really doubted whether to do it or not.