Weather keeps fans away from parks

The World Cup is not just about fans in the stands and hospitality suites for VIPs

The World Cup is not just about fans in the stands and hospitality suites for VIPs.

The official Fan Fests, which include big screens, beer tents and music deejays, afford a party atmosphere for the thousands, who do not have tickets. But cold weather at the late evening kick-offs for most World Cup matches has proved a deterrent to spectators' attendance at the Fan Fests in Johannesburg.

"We have seen a huge deterioration of numbers at some recent games," said World Cup project team spokesperson Sibongile Mazibuko. The opening match between the hosts and Mexico drew more than 300,000 fans to the ten South African fan parks. She said the freezing temperatures for the late-evening kick-offs, rather than the exit of South Africa and other teams from the home continent, has been the main reason fan numbers have dwindled at the outdoor venues. The warmer weather in Durban and Capetown has seen bigger crowds that make the fans fests a huge success in these parts, said Mazibuko.

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