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From Castle Ruins to Historic Baths: Unusual Places to Watch the World Cup
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

From Castle Ruins to Historic Baths: Unusual Places to Watch the World Cup

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Unusual venues, including historic Victoria Baths in Greater Manchester and Hastings Pier in East Sussex, are offering unique ways to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Victoria Baths will feature a large screen in its empty pool, with DJs and food trucks, aiming to host up to 500 people.
  • Hastings Pier has previously hosted successful World Cup fan parks, drawing large crowds for Euro 2021 screenings.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans are seeking more than just the traditional pub experience to cheer on their teams. Organizers are transforming unconventional locations into vibrant viewing hubs, offering a novel way to enjoy the tournament's excitement.

We don't have the experience but we have the enthusiasm.

— Jack NunesOrganizer of the Victoria Baths World Cup screening, discussing his team's approach.

In Greater Manchester, the historic Victoria Baths, a public pool that has been closed for decades, is being repurposed for World Cup screenings. Organizer Jack Nunes plans to install a massive screen at the far end of the empty pool, utilizing its sloping floor for optimal viewing. The venue will also feature DJs, food trucks, and bars, with an estimated capacity of 500 people. Nunes is navigating logistical challenges, such as covering the pool floor with a large carpet to prevent spills from creating slippery conditions.

On the south coast, Hastings Pier in East Sussex is also set to host World Cup viewings. Mark Graham, who has extensive experience in event management, previously organized successful fan parks at the pier for Euro 2021. His company, 4TheFans, sold 12,000 tickets for those screenings, demonstrating the strong demand for communal viewing experiences in unique settings.

Well, hopefully, when Tommy Tuchel's brave boys put seven past Brazil, there'll be lots of beer flying everywhere - but the minute you spill liquid in there... it becomes like an ice rink.

— Jack NunesExplaining the need for a carpeted pool floor at Victoria Baths.

These alternative venues aim to create a festive atmosphere, combining the thrill of live football with the charm of historic or repurposed spaces. While traditional pubs remain popular, these innovative options offer fans a chance to experience the World Cup in memorable and engaging environments.

Watching England games here, it's almost as if it's meant to be.

— Jack NunesExpressing his enthusiasm for hosting World Cup matches at Victoria Baths.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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