The co-hosts Switzerland and Austria, together with European football governing body UEFA, have set up fan zones in the eight host cities of Euro 2008 to cater for visitors out of the stadiums.

According to a UEFA release, public viewing events will be held in fan zones throughout the Euro 2008 while all 31 matches will be broadcast live in the fan zones.

To help generate a fun atmosphere, famous artists, orchestras and bands will perform and the host cities and UEFA will organize all kinds of activities, the release said.

The fan zones are set up aimed at accommodating fans without match tickets. In all, the eight fan zones in Basel, Geneva, Berne and Zurich of Switzerland and Innsbruck, Vienna, Salzburg and Klagenfurt of Austria have a capacity of about 320,000 visitors.

In addition to live transmission of all Euro 2008 matches, visitors will be able to enjoy live concerts by national and international stars, bands, DJs and orchestras.

Highlights of the fan zones activities include the opening concert in Vienna on June 7 which features the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Boys' Choir.

The fan zones are generally located in the city center while all the giant screen have been set up in the most famous spots in the cities.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2008)