Public Viewing for Soccer World Cup: Nighttime 'Rudelgucken' - What to Expect in Thuringia

As the FIFA World Cup approaches, Thuringia's hospitality sector is weighing the feasibility of public viewing events, particularly given the late kick-off times caused by the time difference in North America. Dirk Ellinger, head of the Thuringia Hotel and Gastronomy Association (Dehoga), notes that while noise protection exceptions are generally possible, the primary concern is whether patrons will attend late-night matches on weekdays when they have work the next day.

Currently, industry interest in public viewing in Thuringia appears low, though Ellinger suggests this could change as the tournament progresses and depending on the German national team's performance. The World Cup kicks off on June 11, with Germany's first match on June 14. As the tournament advances to the knockout stages, matches are scheduled for 10 p.m. or later, potentially leading to very late nights for fans, especially if games go into extra time or penalties.

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Noise protection is one thing.

To facilitate "crowd watching," the German cabinet has approved exceptions to nighttime noise protection rules, which typically run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, the decision on implementing these exceptions rests with local authorities, who must balance the public's interest in watching the games against the need for neighborhood peace.

In larger Thuringian cities, a few public viewing applications have been submitted. Erfurt is reviewing three applications, while Gera has one private organizer's request for an exception in the city center. Weimar plans to utilize the exception to allow broadcasts after 10 p.m. at five locations. Gera has imposed specific conditions, including a midnight curfew for most games, with a slightly later end for German matches, and a strict 70-decibel noise limit, requiring professional sound system adjustments. All organizers must designate a responsible person available to authorities and citizens at all times.

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The other question is whether guests will even use such late broadcasts on weekdays if they have to go to work the next day.