We Are Fan Zones has installed a giant 9-metre-wide screen at Times Square in Newcastle city centre, increasing the venue's capacity to 3,000 for the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina on Wednesday night. The entire layout has been reconfigured, with the screen moved to the opposite end and the entrance shifted closer to the Centre for Life, away from Rusty's Showbar.
Expanded facilities and capacity
The revamped fan zone now accommodates up to 3,000 spectators, up from its previous capacity. Additional food vendors have been introduced, including local favourites Davey's, and a new VIP bar has been added. As of Wednesday afternoon, tickets were still available, priced from £12.50, along with a limited number of tables for booking.
Simon Duke, What's On Editor at ChronicleLive, reported that the changes follow the success of earlier screenings, including England's quarter-final victory over Norway on Saturday, which drew large crowds to Times Square.
Background and previous screenings
Times Square has been a popular gathering spot for football fans during major tournaments, hosting celebrations for England's penalty shootout win against Colombia in the 2018 World Cup, the Lionesses' victory in 2022, and the agonising Euro 2022 final defeat to Spain. Organisers hope the upgraded setup will enhance the experience for Wednesday's semi-final and potentially the final, should England advance.
In a separate development, ChronicleLive reported earlier on Wednesday that the planned screening of the match at O2 City Hall had been cancelled, with ticketholders promised full refunds.
