Euro 2024 has been a beer-soaked affair, with fans, players, and even journalists enjoying the brews available at the stadiums. The official sponsor, Bitburger, has filled the concourse bars with their products, ranging from Pils to Radler. While most matches allow fans to drink freely inside the stadium, some high-risk games have restrictions on alcohol content and where it can be consumed.
In England, strict rules prevent spectators from drinking alcohol near the pitch, while in Spain, only non-alcoholic beer is allowed. In France, there are no alcohol sales during Ligue 1 games. However, in Germany, beer is a fundamental part of Bundesliga matchdays, and restrictions are only imposed during high-risk matches.
Despite concerns about overconsumption, there have been few incidents of misbehavior during Euro 2024. Stewards at the Allianz Arena reported minimal problems with fan behavior, even with full-strength alcohol being served. While plastic cups have become a nuisance, leading to fines for nations whose fans have thrown objects onto the pitch, there have been efforts to promote the use of reusable cups in German stadiums to reduce waste and improve fan experience.
The atmosphere at Euro 2024 has been largely positive, with fans enjoying the camaraderie and festive spirit of the tournament. Despite some organizational issues, supporters have embraced the opportunity to come together and celebrate the sport. This sense of freedom and joy has contributed to the colorful and lively atmosphere at the tournament, marking a return to normalcy after years of Covid-19 restrictions.
Overall, Euro 2024 has been a celebration of football and fan culture, with supporters making the most of the experience and creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for all attendees. While there have been challenges and minor incidents, the prevailing mood has been one of unity and friendly competition, highlighting the power of sports to bring people together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared passion.