Bergamo is bracing for a night of Champions League football as Atalanta prepares to host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th, at the New Balance Arena, is a complete sellout, fueled by fervent local support and the arrival of approximately 1,300 travelling Bayern Munich fans.
Demand for tickets was exceptionally high, a testament to the growing excitement surrounding Atalanta’s European campaign. The club’s supporters are eager to create another memorable atmosphere at the New Balance Arena, a venue that has quickly develop into known for its passionate displays and vibrant tifoserie. The atmosphere promises to be electric, recalling the memorable scenes from their Europa League run.
Atalanta’s fans will be looking to replicate the impressive display they place on during the playoff match against Borussia Dortmund, where a stunning “muro nerazzurro” – a wall of black and blue – countered Dortmund’s famed “yellow wall.” That 4-1 victory over the German side ignited a renewed sense of belief and excitement among the Atalanta faithful.
(Foto di Afb)
Around 1,300 Bayern Munich supporters are expected to make the trip to Bergamo and will be allocated a designated section within the New Balance Arena. Local authorities are increasing security measures to ensure a safe and orderly environment for both sets of fans, and to prevent any incidents that might detract from the sporting spectacle.
Alcohol Sales Restrictions in Place
In anticipation of the match, the Bergamo municipality, at the request of the local police, has issued an ordinance restricting the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages. The restrictions, in effect from 9:00 AM on Tuesday, March 10th, until 6:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11th, prohibit the sale of alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content exceeding 5 degrees, as well as beverages in glass or metal containers, within a defined perimeter of the stadium and the city center. Public establishments serving food will be permitted to serve alcohol alongside meals within their licensed premises.
The restricted area encompasses a significant portion of Bergamo, including the Circonvallazione Fabriciano, Via Tremana, Piazza Pacati, Viale Giulio Cesare, Circonvallazione Plorzano, Via delle Valli, Circonvallazione Mugazzone, Circonvallazione Paltriniano, Via S. Bernardino, Via Carducci, Via Salvo d’Acquisto, Via Corpo Italiano di Liberazione, Via XXIV Maggio, Via Statuto, Via Santa Lucia, Via Rosmini, Largo Adua, the historic Città Alta (within the Venetian Walls), Via Maironi da Ponte, and Via Ruggeri da Stabello.
This measure aims to maintain public order and safety, and to protect the city’s cultural heritage during the high-profile Champions League fixture. It’s a standard precaution taken for major sporting events in Bergamo, designed to prevent potential disturbances and ensure a positive experience for all attendees and residents.
The match represents a significant occasion for Atalanta, who are competing in the Champions League knockout stages for the first time. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are perennial contenders in the competition, and will pose a formidable challenge for the Italian side. The first leg at the New Balance Arena promises to be a captivating encounter, with a vibrant atmosphere and high stakes.
Following this first leg in Bergamo, the return fixture will seize place at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The date for that match has not yet been confirmed, but will be announced by UEFA in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on official match details and ticketing information through the UEFA website and the official channels of both Atalanta and Bayern Munich.
The anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling Champions League tie. Atalanta will be hoping to leverage the passionate support of their home fans to gain an advantage heading into the second leg in Munich.
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