More than 10,000 people packed the esplanade of the Tenerife Auditorium to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The Town Hall had to close access an hour and a half before the match for safety reasons.
The World Cup fever erupted this Sunday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The esplanade of the Auditorium, where Don Omar and Chayanne had performed hours earlier at the Cook Music Fest, became a hive of fans eager to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The organisers, along with the local Town Hall, had set up two giant screens at the foot of the stage, but the response was so massive that the venue filled up 90 minutes before the kick-off.
60,000 People at the Festival, but Only 10,000 Capacity for the Match
During the weekend, the Cook Music Fest attracted up to 60,000 attendees to the venue. However, for the match broadcast, a maximum capacity of 10,000 people was allowed, one-sixth of the total capacity. The red tide exceeded expectations when, in the lead-up, Andrés Iniesta lifted the World Cup on the screen, igniting the hopes of those present. Access was closed for safety reasons, leaving hundreds of latecomers outside, who followed the match perched on walls and fences.
The atmosphere was electric. When Lionel Messi appeared in the warm-up images, the loudspeaker announced 'Who’s with Spain?' which provoked a unanimous roar. The shout was also heard outside, where those who couldn’t enter refused to leave. The song 'Potra Salvaje', the anthem of the national team since the Euro 2024, played and excitement soared among the attendees, who cheered every play as if they were in the New York stadium itself.
A Final that Paralyzed the Tenerife Capital
The capital of Chicharrero experienced an atypical Sunday afternoon. The streets surrounding the Auditorium filled with fans wearing red shirts, flags, and scarves. The Town Hall of Santa Cruz had coordinated a special security and mobility plan with the festival's organisers, but the turnout exceeded any calculations. For those left outside, public television offered the match live, but as attendees commented, 'the shared excitement multiplies.'
From inside, the 10,000 lucky ones vibrated with every attack from La Roja. The final, held in New York, saw Spain face Argentina in a match that kept the entire country on edge. On the esplanade, the tension was palpable. Every goal opportunity was met with a roar, and the chants never ceased for a minute. The experience of watching the match on a giant screen, outdoors, and in the company of thousands of people turned the event into a major social occasion.
For those who couldn’t gain access, the organisers are considering repeating the experience at future sporting events. For now, the Cook Music Fest has proven that music and football can coexist in the same space, as long as the logistics match the passion of the fans. The Town Hall, for its part, views the initiative positively and is analysing how to improve access to avoid situations of collapse.
The World Cup final is now history, but in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it will be remembered as the afternoon when 10,000 souls shared a dream under the screens of the Auditorium. Those who arrived late were left wanting more, but they promise not to miss the next occasion. Because, as fans well know, football, when experienced in a group, tastes better.
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