Man Utd Fans Watch Final on ADI Screen at M.E.N Arena
Friday, May 30, 2008 at 2:54PM ADI provided the world’s largest mobile LED screen – the iCONIC 100 – to broadcast the Champions League Final live at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena.
7,000 Man Utd fans and 100 sq.m. screen... The venue, home of the Red’s historic 1999 Treble Homecoming party, worked with ADI to install the giant 100m sq. LED screen inside the Arena ahead of last week’s final in Moscow.
A Spokesperson for the M.E.N Arena said: "Following the disappointment felt by fans at the cancellation of the city's outdoor screens, the M.E.N Arena worked extremely closely with both ADI and the City Council to stage this event in time for the big final.
“ADI provided a first class service - especially given the short turnaround time in staging this event – and the screen looked perfect.”
ADI had arrived onsite at 8am on Wednesday to begin setting up for the evening’s entertainment. The huge 100m² iCONIC was flanked by two large PA stacks provided by Wigwam, with blackout drapes hung behind and a stage built in front.
Doors opened at 5.30pm and thousands of fans poured in to get the best viewing spots for the match. With both tiered seating and a large standing area beneath, there was soon a buzzing atmosphere around the arena, which was helped by DJs from the event sponsors – local radio station Key 103 – who helped to rouse the crowd and also provided live music. Just after 7pm, the DJs led the crowd in a countdown to the screen going live to Moscow.
Celebrations as The Reds become European Champions The atmosphere was electric as the match got underway, with the 7,000 fans in full voice. The match proved to be a tense affair after Chelsea equalised and the scores remained level all the way through extra time, resulting in a nervous penalty shoot out. Following misses from John Terry and Nicolas Anelka, Manchester United lifted Europe’s biggest prize for the third time with the crowd at the M.E.N Arena sharing the euphoria.
7,000 loud and ecstatic fans made their way out of the M.E.N Arena just after 11pm, and ADI began the derig of the iCONIC 100 – a quick process enabling them to be on the road before 00.30am.
