Newcastle fan zones have issued a ticket warning for England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday night, urging fans to secure tickets as soon as possible due to massive expected demand.
England reached the semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday night. Jude Bellingham scored the winner, his sixth goal of the tournament, after Norway had taken the lead. The match against Argentina kicks off at 8pm UK time on Wednesday in Atlanta, following Argentina's 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland.
Fan zones across Newcastle preparing for huge crowds
Five major fan zones in Newcastle have confirmed they will show the match: Times Square, St James' STACK, NX, O2 City Hall, and Summer on the Southside. Tickets went on sale Sunday, with organisers warning they will sell out fast.
We Are Fan Zones, which runs the Times Square fan zone, posted: 'Even Bigger Screen! More Bars! Live DJs! Keith Downie Hosting! Huge Sing-a-longs! Street Food & "En-ger-land!" This Will Sell Out Fast !! Get Yours Now!!' General admission tickets cost from £16, with front-of-screen table seats from £35.50 per person.
NX will feature MC Tazo as a special guest after the Britain's Got Talent star partied with fans on Saturday. Tickets for NX start at £7. O2 City Hall, which was packed for the Norway match, has tickets from £35.75.
Gateshead venues also showing the match
In Gateshead, HWKRLAND and Summer on the Southside will both screen the game. HWKRLAND tickets start at £16.75, while watching on the big screen outside at Summer on the Southside costs from £6.50.
St James' STACK saw massive queues on Saturday night, with many waiting outside hoping to get in before kick-off. Tickets for Wednesday's match there cost £10, with doors opening at 4pm. Benches and best viewing spots are first-come, first-served before the 8pm kick-off.
England's dramatic path to the semi-finals
England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time. Norway broke the deadlock first, but Jude Bellingham equalised before half-time. Norway thought they had regained the lead after the break, but the goal was disallowed for a push on Elliot Anderson. With the score 1-1 after 90 minutes, Bellingham scored the winner in extra time, reacting quickest after Morgan Rogers' shot was saved.
Thomas Tuchel's side now face Argentina, who beat Switzerland 3-1 in their quarter-final. The match kicks off at 8pm UK time, giving fans time to finish work and head to the fan zones.
