By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
With a parade of fun-filled activities, the 2016 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fanzone not only produced some memorable moments, but also drew a constant stream of fans throughout Final Four weekend in Berlin. Located at the famous Alexanderplatz in the German capital, just three S-Bahn train stops away from the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the Fanzone was once again a massive success. From the time it opened its doors on Friday morning until closing on Sunday evening, the Fanzone saw nearly one million visitors. Although the weather did not always cooperate, fans never ceased to gather and celebrate, with the busiest day being Saturday when some 450,000 visitors packed the square.
The Fanzone once again lived up to its billing as the place where the most fans congregate on Final Four weekend. It was no wonder, too, since the site offered a true basketball experience. Each person who visited the Fanzone at Alexanderplatz could enjoy all that comes to mind when one thinks of basketball, including plenty of chances to play the game and to meet, greet, talk to or have a photo taken with Euroleague stars of the past and present.
With more to see and do than ever before, the Fanzone had something for everyone. Euroleague partners Turkish Airlines, Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, adidas, Dogous Group, Spalding, Intersport, EA7 Emporio Armani, EFES and local powerhouse Alba Berlin among others, offered loads of fun activities, as well as a variety of games and contests to choose from.
Visitors could relax with refreshments at the EFES Beergardens, enjoy the entertainment provided by the EFES Euroleague Dance Squad, the Dunkin Devils or the drummers. The innovative #F4GLORY Mosaic was an opportunity to become part of history simply by sharing one’s photos. Of the 5,300 pictures uploaded to Instagram and hash-tagged #F4GLORY, 2,864 were woven into a giant Euroleague-themed image, which was seen by nearly six million people and created more than 40 million impressions! There was plenty of entertainment both for young fans – who enjoyed face-painting in the Dogus Stay in the Game area and had a blast on the EA7 Emporio Armani trampoline – and for adults, who could listen to the opinions of former Euroleague champions in roles of Final Four Ambassadors during The Insider Fanzone discussion panel. And the mobile Euroleague Store through Intersport provided opportunity for fans to purchase souvenirs from their favorite teams.
As every year, a major part of the Fanzone experience was the chance for anyone and everyone to play basketball. There was the nonstop action at the Turkish Airlines and Turkey Tourism baskets of all sizes and heights. Hundreds of players competed in various different categories at the adidas 3×3 Tournaments and many others entered spectator three-point shootout contests. The stands surrounding the main court were packed to witness the Fanzone’s opening with a One Team Session and Legends Game, and the site was full again with fans supporting young ADIDAS NEXT GENERATION TOURNAMENT players in the exciting Turkish Airlines Slam Dunk Contest.
The heart of the Fanzone is always the fans themselves. The supporters of the four teams playing for Euroleague glory painted the Fanzone in their team colors, sang, danced and took the Final Four experience to another level. No matter if their teams were winning or losing in the games on Friday and Sunday, supporters of CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce Istanbul, Laboral Kutxa Vitoria Gasteiz and Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar not only had a fantastic time throughout the weekend, but lifted the spirits of local German fans to forge a true celebration of basketball. It made the colorful Turkish Airlines Euroleague Fanzone a site basketball lovers could not afford to miss.