FIFA fever grips fans, city hotels plan special arrangements

Jamshedpur : For some it’s a serious pursuit, for others a passing frenzy, but the greatest appeal of the World Cup is that it has been able to attract a diverse audience. The city hotels are gearing up to make the FIFA world cup special.

The establishments, which are expected to be popular hangouts for football lovers during the game season, will not only offer live screening of the matches, but also bring a slice of the excitement from the host country Brazil to Jamshedpur.

The Wave International on NH-33 has decided to put large cut outs of star players which will be put in the front lawn. �We are gearing up to prepare a feel of football in the hotel. We have already ordered the cut outs of players which will be put on the lawn so that you feel that you are in a football ground. A projector broadcasted matches,�an official.

Hotel Yashwee International will start a mouth watering sizzlers and dessert festival from June 13 to June 22.

�Almost everybody I know is going to follow the World Cup. Football is a passionate game, playing it and watching evoke the same emotions. Though it may not be as huge as it is in Europe, Indians too are definitely big on the World cup. It is mainly the urbanites and the east coast people that regularly follow football.

Ask any shop, with football merchandise pub or hotel and they will tell you that football is a craze here too. Football is international, India, Europe, U.S.; the World Cup will be the same,� said an official.

Hotels, cafes, restaurants and clubs are pushing hard to grab eyeballs as they put up huge LCD screens and even prepare to serve gourmets and gourmands with football-inspired dishes. Clubs will put up a giant LCD screen so that members can enjoy matches and cheer.