Republic

Belarus president pleased with 2014 IIHF WM organization

MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) – The operation of the so-called fan zones as places for shopping and recreation should be downsized but the places should stay open after the championship. The idea was discussed as Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko received a report covering the overall situation during the ice hockey world championship in Minsk on 19 May, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.

“I think retailers will be interested in keeping the fan zones open. It is necessary to enable conditions and preserve them. Moreover, Minsk’s experience should be borrowed by other cities for the benefit of the home market,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state was told that 46 matches had been attended by 436,000 spectators. The overall number of fans present at all the games is supposed to exceed 600,000. Ticket earnings are close to Br150 billion.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that there should be no vacant seats during such events particularly when there are people willing to attend them.

“I told Rene Fasel yesterday that we don’t keep people in the street if free seats are available and they want to see the match. It is a historic moment for them!” remarked the head of state.

The President drew attention to the good organization, yet stressed that the main games of the championship are still to happen.

“Don’t relax because the main days are ahead of us. There may be a handful of them but these are the main days and ardent fans and specialists will come for these days,” said the head of state. “Therefore, any wrinkles must be ironed out. We cannot tolerate an excessive increase in prices because everything can be spoilt in the last few days like that”.