Long security lines, police clampdown expected at Europa League final
The Stockholm police expect massive crowds in and around the stadium where the Europa League final between Ajax and Mancester United will be played, the police warn in a press release. They've implemented a number of measures to ensure that the crowds of football fans are kept under control as much as possible.
The stadium will open three hours before the finals match, because the police believe that it will take a long time for all fans to pass trough the security checks. All fans will be searched before being allowed to enter the stadium. Barriers will be placed inside the stadium, and a special unit of the Swedish police will be in charge of maintaining public order.
The police warn local residents to be aware that public transport will be extra busy on Wednesday, warning them to take extra travel time into account. Local residents are also warned to beware of possible fireworks thrown by football supporters.
Three fan zones will be set up in Stockholm in the days running up to the match on May 24th. The first will be centrally placed in the Kungstradgarden park in Stockholm city center. This fan zone will be open from May 20th till 24th and fans can go there to take part in competitions, play games and take photos with the Europa League trophy.
The other two fan zones will only be open on the day of the match. The first is located northwest of the city center on Flemminggatan, between Norra Agnegatan and Wargentinsgatan. It will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. From there fans can travel to the stadium on the subway from the Radhuset stop.
The other fan zone will be located on Rörstrandsgatan, between Bråvallagatan and Norrbackagatan, and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From there fans can travel to the stadium with the train from Karlberg station.
The Stockholm police will keep fans and other residents updated on Twitter and their website.
