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The Swiss city of Basel, where the first match of the European Football Championship 2008 took place has perfectly got fit to the EURO. The city authorities have even reactivated a jail where they will keep the mad hooligans.
In the quiet city on the Rhine river the signs of the event are on every corner: fan zones, advertisement of the championship. Recently an arts Olympiad took place here.
The city administration tries to make the hard life of a football tourist easier. A couple of days before there even has been a special directive issued: because of the lack of places in Basel hotels, two city train stations should offer hotel services during the football days.
Besides, there are 400 free places in Basel, where a raging fan can spend a night or two. The city jail "Challe Matelle" built in 19-th century has been reactivated. The penitentiary establishment has served for about 140 years, but has been closed in 2004 because it's cells were not conform to the European convention of the human rights. The refurbishment of the city jail had cost the city 500 thousands francs.
Because of the security reasons, the Swiss fans are prohibited to appear at the places with match broadcasting with their traditional symbols - a big cowbell. The law-enforcement institutions of the city have considered it to be a heavy weapon. |
