TV 2 removes restriction: Cafes and pubs can show Denmark’s match against Germany on big screen. Excitement is building ahead of Saturday’s round of 16 match between Denmark and Germany, and now there is good news for football fans and the hospitality industry. TV 2 has decided to remove the limit on a maximum of 200 people in existing venues, allowing pubs, bars, and cafes to show the match on big screens outdoors and thus bring together more people for a shared experience.
“Now that Denmark has advanced, and even though we miss some Danish goals, the support from the Danish fans has been undeniable. Therefore, we are now giving commercial operators the opportunity to purchase the rights so that as many people as possible can participate in the great public celebration that is already underway,” said TV 2’s sports director, Frederik Lauesen, in a press release.
According to the announcement, big screen events should still have free access. Operators in the bar and restaurant industry who have not yet reached an agreement with TV 2 will now also have the opportunity to purchase the right to publicly screen Denmark’s Euro matches under the new conditions. TV 2 has not disclosed the exact pricing information, but states that it is a fair price considering the significant costs TV 2 has incurred to acquire the attractive rights.
The previous conditions with the maximum number of 200 people have faced criticism from parts of the hospitality industry, which have wanted better opportunities to attract a larger audience to the matches. Press and communications manager for the industry organization Danmarks Restauranter & Cafeer (Denmark’s Restaurants & Cafes), Lars Bjerregaard, welcomes the relaxation from TV 2’s side.
“It means a lot to the industry that those who want to and have the opportunity to gather Danes for a surprising victory over Germany can now do so – regardless of the channel,” he said in a written statement.
TV 2 has the broadcasting rights for four round of 16 matches, including Denmark’s match against Germany, two quarterfinals, and one of the two semifinals at the UEFA European Football Championship. The final, which takes place on July 14, will be shown on both TV 2 and DR (Danmarks Radio). Denmark’s match against Germany will take place on Saturday at 9 p.m.