<Reporter Kim Young-seong>
There are 6 fan zones in Doha, and the fan festival kicked off last night (the 19th).
Tens of thousands of fans gathered and the atmosphere became even hotter as beer sales were allowed.
Reporter Bae Jeong-hoon visited the scene.
<Reporter Bae Jeong-hoon> In
the late afternoon, a long line forms in the park.
This is to enter the fan zone where only Qatar entry visa 'Haya Card' holders can enter.
As the crowd gathered, exceeding the quota of 40,000, the police sent the fans away and worked hard to control the scene.
Upon entering the venue after a long wait, a beautiful festival unfolds in the plaza with a large screen.
From grandiose fireworks that light up the night sky to drone shows that catch the attention of fans.
The fan festival radiated enthusiasm from the opening.
Fans adorned with the uniforms and national flags of the participating countries mobilized various cheering tools, danced and sang, and had a wild night.
[Ole~Ole Ole Ole~ Tunisia!
Tunisia!]
There is one more special thing about this place.
It is quite difficult to buy alcohol in Qatar.
But here in the fan zone you can enjoy the festivities while drinking beer.
There was a long line at the liquor store on one side of the venue, and fans enjoyed the night in Doha drinking expensive beer worth 18,000 won.
As Qatari authorities have decided not to allow drinking around the stadium, soccer fans during the World Cup can only purchase alcohol in restricted areas, including the fan zone here.
[Contreras Lopez/Mexico soccer fan: You can buy alcohol in some hotels or fan zones, but you can't buy it in the downtown area.
We believe in respecting the culture (restricting the mainstream).
However, the price is too high.]
Qatari authorities plan to continue the fever by operating 6 fan zones during the World Cup.
(Video coverage: Yoo Dong-hyeok, video editing: Woo Ki-jeong, CG: Jegal-chan)