Search for a spot for football fans to gather

Aug 24 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

FOOTBALL fever might not just be limited to the Stadium of Light and St James' Park.

Both cities have identified locations for fan parks to be set up at during the month-long soccer spectacle.

FIFA fan fests have proved a huge hit at previous tournaments and that would be replicated in Sunderland and Newcastle Gateshead, giving people from all backgrounds the chance to experience what a World Cup is all about.

Herrington Country Park is Sunderland’s primary fan fest site and is one of the largest outdoor event venues in the UK.

The park recently received £1m investment to further enhance its ability to stage major public events.

The 150 hectare public park is a former open cast mine and includes feature like a model boating lake, fishing lake, children’s play areas, skate park, bridle paths, amphitheatre, numerous art features, a miners’ memorial and a comprehensive network of public footpaths.

It has hosted many big events before, including the Great North Walk, Sunderland Race For Life, North East Counties Cross Country Championships and the Durham County Show.

Fulwell Quarry is also a potential FIFA fan fest site and is seen as ideal for families. It is a greenfield site that covers an area of 73 acres and is only 1.5 miles from the seafront.

The site was first quarried in Roman times and that use continued until the 1960s but has since been redeveloped as a sports and events facility and includes two events arenas and five full-size football pitches with shower and changing room provision.

Fulwell Quarry also offers an on-site 42 bay floodlit golf driving range with private tuition, which, along with a bar and restaurant at the venue’s entrance, will be available to visitors.

The event site is also next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, characterised by a variety of spectacular dolomite rock outcrops, as well as providing habitat for butterflies and small birds.

In Newcastle Gateshead, three locations have been identified as fan fest sites.

They include one at the Town Moor and Exhibition Park, just yards from St James’ Park, which fits in with the theme of football being in the heart of the city.

The second is Newcastle Racecourse, which is a short journey away from the city but provides ample open space and would be perfect to create a family atmosphere.

The site is used annually as a camp site during the Great North Run and enjoys good transport links with the city centre.

Finally, Gateshead’s Saltwell Park would be used and is again a short distance from Newcastle City Centre and offers stunning scenery in an historic setting.

After an £8m facelift, it was voted Britain’s Best Park and will be aimed at attracting families to enjoy the World Cup fun.