The gigantic numbers speak for themselves. The Fan Walk on Friday alone pulverised the high expectations: 25,000 fans showed their support for the Swiss women's national team in the quarter-final against Spain. On 6 July, 14,000 people marched together towards the Wankdorf stadium - twice a record. ‘These pictures are going around the world,’ says co-project manager Marc Heeb proudly. And drives on:
'This is the best advertisement for Berne.'
Tears after the film
Whether at concerts in the Bundesplatz fan zone, the immersive film screening UNSTOPPABLE in the Waisenhausplatz corner or at the public viewings - the ‘Berner Ballzauber’ delights fans from Switzerland and abroad. Over 350,000 visitors have livened up the Bundesplatz, Bärenplatz and Waisenhausplatz so far, in addition to 120,000 matchgoers at the four sold-out European Championship matches in the Wankdorf stadium.
‘The atmosphere is unique,’ says Hannah Sutter, co-general project manager of Host City Berne. Her personal highlight is the film show. It has already attracted 10,000 admissions. Hannah Sutter explains:
'Seeing how emotionally moved people leave the cube is the greatest compliment for me.'
Some people came out of the cube with tears in their eyes.
Despite the crowds, the atmosphere remained peaceful and cheerful - there were no incidents worth mentioning. Thanks to the flexible infrastructure, it was also possible to make last-minute adjustments to the space.
We are not at the end yet
And now? The Bernese Ball Magic continues until 27th of July - with public viewing, concerts, performances and sporting highlights. You can look forward to, among other things:
- Lo & Leduc und Oesch’s die Dritten (20.7.)
- YB Frauen Team-Präsentation (22.7.)
- Daydance (24.7.)
- Jule X (25.7.)
- Kings Elliot, Steff la Cheffe und Joya Marleen (finals weekend)