Football. No matter your age, race, gender or religion (and I could go on), it unites us all. But, as our ‘where to watch the World Cup’ proves, many of the best sports-watching venues can exclude many during major sporting events—where can families, faith communities, non-drinkers, young people and many others go?
With limited options for those who don’t want to be soaked in alcohol every time England scores, a new fan zone has been designed to change that. What is believed to be the ‘UK’s first inclusive football and sports fan zone’, discover a permanent large-format LED screen, a halal food hall, and dedicated prayer facilities in Digbeth.
The launch will coincide with England’s World Cup knockout fixture against Norway on Saturday, July 11. But the Art Quarter’s fan zone isn’t just for football, with an ambition to “become a permanent home for sport, culture and community in Birmingham.” It will also screen other major sporting moments on Saturday:
- 2pm-5pm Wimbledon Women’s Final
- 6pm-9.30pm South Asian Desi event
- 10pm FIFA World Cup Quarter Final – England v Norway
“Football has always been about more than football,” said Jordan Patel, Founder of Art Quarter. “At its best, it creates shared experiences, starts conversations and brings people together who might otherwise never meet. We wanted to create a space that genuinely reflects modern Birmingham.”
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Birmingham City Council. Plans for the future include major football tournaments, cricket, boxing, Formula One, community screenings, cultural celebrations and partner-led events throughout the year.
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Major sporting events, like the World Cup, bring people from the city’s diverse communities together in cheering on their teams – and this new Digbeth fan zone will offer a more inclusive experience for people to enjoy a super summer of sport including athletics, tennis, cricket and more.”
📍You will find the Art Quarter at 11-15 Allison Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5TH.
