'They are venting years of frustration': Boxpark chief hails euphoric fan celebrations at Croydon venue ahead of World Cup clash with Sweden

Tom Powell7 July 2018

The boss of Croydon Boxpark has hailed the "die-hard" beer-throwing fans who have made his venue "the best place in the UK" to watch England play in the World Cup.

Roger Wade said he has never know anything like the atmosphere at the south London venue than when the Three Lions' games have been shown on the big screens.

He praised the "die-hard" fans whose euphoric, beer-throwing celebrations were caught on camera and gone viral across the world .

Tickets for the quarter-final clash with Sweden sold out in minutes as fans clamoured to book their spot at one of the iconic UK venues of the World Cup so far.

England soccer fans celebrate Harry Kane's goal against Colombia
EPA

Mr Wade told the Standard: “I have never known anything like it at Boxpark. We didn’t think we could get bigger than having Stormzy’s album launch here but that doesn’t come close to this.

“I was at the rugby world cup final when England won and the atmosphere last week when we played Colombia was better than that.

“The place almost has a life of its own.”

Boxpark Croydon, which opened in 2016 following the success of Boxpark Shoreditch, has emerged as one of the best places for keen England fans to watch games without travelling to Russia.

A viral clip of 1,200 fans at Boxpark jumping for joy and throwing beer through the air after Harry Kane’s winning goal against Tunisia last month has set the tone for England’s optimistic campaign.

“The atmosphere is incredible,” added Mr Wade. “Everyone is euphoric about what’s happening.”

Videos of celebrations at Boxpark have gone viral
EPA

He put the success of the venue’s screenings down to the giant screen, surround sound, pre-game DJ and “cauldron-like” setting.

“I would love to be able to say that we planned it all but it has almost happened organically,” he added.

“It’s people like Baddiel and Skinner who are coming down, people who have grown up with England not doing well and they are venting all of their years of frustration.

“The crowd that come down are proper fans and live and breathe football.”

Boxpark is opening its doors at 12 on Saturday, with other venues across London and the UK also expecting huge crowds for England’s first World Cup quarter-final since 2006.

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