Manchester preparing a warm welcome

'Fantastic, busy day'
"It's going to be a fantastic, busy day and we are making plans so that everyone can enjoy themselves," Manchester City Council city centre spokesman Pat Karney said. "There will be dedicated zones for the football fans. Fans will be ambassadors for their clubs and their cities, so our message to them is: 'Please don't let down your home city.'

Enjoy the atmosphere
"And for everyone who lives and works in Manchester, we are advising them to enjoy the atmosphere and to make sure they allow extra time for important journeys. Manchester is excellent at hosting major events and – just like the Commonwealth Games and major political conferences – we want people to welcome our visitors and enjoy the busy atmosphere."

Hosting experience
Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan of Greater Manchester Police added: "Manchester loves its football and we are delighted that the city is hosting this final. Everyone is looking forward to hosting both sets of fans. We are experts in policing major football events and we want the day to be as enjoyable as possible for supporters, residents and businesses."

Big outdoor screens
Given the high number of supporters expected to travel to Manchester, especially from Glasgow, the city authorities have decided to place big outdoor screens in the fan zones at Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens, giving all fans the chance to watch the match. With this latest measure, supporters present in Manchester will have the opportunity to follow the action at key venues across the city centre, as well as in assorted pubs and clubs. Detailed information about fan zones, travel and parking arrangements will be available on the council's website: manchester.gov.uk.

Stay in Glasgow
Rangers supporters without tickets are also being encouraged to stay in Glasgow, where the screening of the game at Ibrox Stadium will ensure that the unique occasion provided by the UEFA Cup final is celebrated in style. For fans with tickets, there will be clearly-signed walking routes and shuttle buses between the city centre and the ground. Entertainment, food and drink will be available in the fan zones in Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.

Grassroots football
Castlefield will host a series of three-a-side grassroots football tournaments for local youngsters, known as the UEFA Cup Final 2008 Manchester 3v3s. Around 600 children, girls and boys, have been involved in the four competition categories (boys under-16, disability, primary school boys and primary girls). Some 130 will contest the final stages throughout the day – the programme runs from 9.30 until 15.45 – before the players then move to the City of Manchester Stadium to witness the main event. Part of the entertainment at Castlefield will feature girls selected through a Manchester school cheerleading competition, and 30 of them will also perform at the final as they will be carrying the UEFA Cup final centre circle on to the pitch.

Trophy display
The UEFA Cup is on display in the Sculpture Hall at Manchester Town Hall and will remain there until next Tuesday (9.00-17.00 weekdays except Monday, 14.00-17.00 - closed on Saturday and Sunday).  Visitors can also see a special presentation of some of the best entries in the Manchester Evening News's What Football Means to You photo competition.