A symbolic cutting of the ribbon precedes a return to normality in Rome and gives locals the chance to get back to meeting each other, listen to music, gather in common spaces and have fun, all the while supporting Italy with their friends in front of the big screens – completely abiding by the current rules and protocols surrounding Covid.

With this spirit, the UEFA Festival was opened. The festival will be open for every game during the Euros, from morning until late evening. Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi, was present for the cutting of the ribbon at the marvellous Piazza del Popolo alongside Rome’s Extraordinary Commissioner for UEFA EURO 2020 Daniele Frongia, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and the CEO of EUFA Events SA Martin Kallen.

After a morning to present the event, the afternoon was replete with music, fun and colour, with Rome natives once again being able to take in the atmosphere of a big event after months of lockdown. From today until 11 July, the Piazza del Popolo will host a rich array of events, ranging from sport to music and culture and social initiatives. The programme will offer spectators the chance to see some big names in Italian music up on stage, such as Irena Grandi and Annalisa.

Footage from the UEFA archives will be projected on the big screen to take fans through football history and to give visibility to memorable initiatives. The Cultural Department of Roma Capitale and the local libraries will alternate to guarantee fans moments for learning, reflection and discovery of our artistic heritage. The stage will host shows from the National Dance Academy, the show from Stornello del Rap and the Santa Cecilia orchestra. For European Music Day, 21 June, there will be an exhibition from Roman Classic Jazz Heritage, the Junta Escondida and numerous artists performing live.

The Local Media Supporters were present too: Corriere Dello Sport-Stadio and Dimensione Suono Roma, who will lay down a DJ set on stage. A fundamental role will also be played by social initiatives, with evenings organised by the Liberi Nantes refugee and asylum seekers’ team and the Pigneto Film Festival project. Not forgetting the tournaments on the pitches for women's football and the projects of the FIGC Youth and School Sector.

“The city of Rome truly is proud to be the place where the European Championship will get underway and to present the Fan Zone, a large area dedicated to those who want to experience the Euros not only at the Stadio Olimpico but in the heart of our city too. There’s a huge amount of satisfaction. We’ve set up spaces where different forms of footballing and non-footballing entertainment can be found so that everyone can get a real taste of the capital. All the while, the rules and regulations in place to combat Covid will be complied with. I hope the National Team will bring us joy, and we’ll all be cheering the Azzurri on this evening. We look forward to seeing you on the various squares in the city until 11 July and hope you’ll enjoy the many initiatives our Administration has put in place,” said Virginia Raggi.

“We’ve been dreaming of this day since Rome was selected as one of the host cities of Euro 2020,” said Gabriele Gravina. “We’ve worked side by side with the relevant institutions in recent months to ensure fans can return to the Stadio Olimpico and also give them the opportunity to enjoy the Euros at this remarkably colourful Football Village. Seeing the Piazza del Popolo and the Fan Zone at Via dei Fori Imperiali ready to host supporters from Italy and abroad fills me with excitement. The hope is that our National Team can entertain and thrill all Italians.”

“Finally, after three years of intense work involving the City and various stakeholders, we’ve arrived at this point: today marks the opening of Rome’s Fan Zone. It’ll be one of the best and biggest in Europe, with a variety of entertainment activities. We can’t wait to welcome tourists, locals and fans and allow them to enjoy a fully immersive European Championship experience in complete safety. I’d once again like to thank all those who have made organising such a prestigious event – the most important since Italia ’90 – possible. It’s been challenging but will certainly give us enormous satisfaction,” said Daniele Frongia.