The Tribune

TICKETS for the highly anticipated FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 will be available free of charge for the entire competition April 27 to May 7.

Whether it’s the high-energy group matches, the exciting quarter-finals or the nail-biting final rounds, tickets will be free for all spectators on a first come, first served basis each day.

“It’s the people’s event and we want to make it accessible to as many Bahamians as possible from all walks of life. Local fans can go out to the stadium and support Team Bahamas and enjoy exciting games with other teams. Of course, we are expecting a lot of visitors as well and free entry will hopefully encourage them to attend the matches every day,” said Anton Sealey, president of the Bahamas Football Association (BFA).

Fans will be required to collect their free ticket at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Stadium’s entrance gate. A ticket is valid for one entrance only. Spectators who leave the stadium will be required to collect another ticket for re-entry.

Beach soccer fans can also enjoy the ultimate FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup experience by purchasing one of the event’s VIP hospitality packages. Details on the exclusive packages will be made available shortly. The 11-day tournament will feature the 16 best beach soccer teams in the world, and spectators are guaranteed to enjoy amazing tricks, goals and the best in Bahamian entertainment each day.

With less than 50 days to kick-off, The Bahamas, Tahiti, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Nigeria, Senegal, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Panama, Mexico, and now Iran, UAE and Japan, are all in full preparation mode for the tournament.

Setting the stage for the main event was the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship that took place February 20-26. Scores of Bahamians and visiting fans came out to watch the 16 teams from the Caribbean, North and Central America vie for a spot in the World Cup.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 promises to be even more exciting and will include a large fan zone area to accommodate more beach soccer fans. Fans who do not get a seat in the stadium will be able to watch the high-energy matches in the Fan Zone, which will also have vendors, entertainment and lots of activities.

The Bahamas will play against Switzerland on Thursday, April 27, Senegal on Saturday, April 29 and Ecuador on Monday, May 1. The 16 teams are divided into four groups for the world cup. The first and second place finishers from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

For more information on the FIFA Beach Soccer World cup Bahamas 2017, visit www.FIFA.com/beachsoccerworldcup or www.BahamasFA.com

You can follow Team Bahamas at www.facebook.com/Bahamasbeachsoccer2017