A new audience record was set in Hungary on Thursday evening: 20,022 fans attended a handball match in the MVM Dome.
The so far (unofficial) record in the "genre" was held by a match between Dózsa and Tatabánya from Debrecen in 1978, when in the match that decided the championship, approx. 12,000 people crowded around the open, bitumen track in Debrecen. This sport has come a long way since then, and not only in our country. Suffice it to say: in 1978, the European Championship did not even exist as an idea, the first continental tournament was organized in 1994. While the blue subway makes the few stops it currently has, old domestic events of the sport come to the surface from the memories of the handball fan. And their locations.
He remembers how enviously he looked around at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne or the O2 in Prague. But even in the Zimny Stadium in Bratislava, which nowadays bears the name of Ondrej Nepela. And one of the venues for this year's European Handball Championship. But not the biggest. Because a real XXI. century wonder hall.
Three hours before the start, around 6:30 p.m., the underpass, unworthy of a neighborhood that has recently undergone major development, was already occupied by vendors. The selection is not large, but it meets the demand. It's a shame that they didn't think at the time that there would be a 20,000-capacity hall here at some point, because there could have been one or two exits to the new facility, but it's still easily accessible. There are plenty of entrance gates, you don't have to wait at six o'clock. Those who do not have an FFP mask will be given one. Well, I'll be curious as to how you can sing in this, but I'm sure that it's impossible to whistle. Glaze list judges! On three levels, almost everything you need at this time. Food and drink souvenirs. The hall is also beautiful inside, you don't have to stand in line at the buffets even at 7:30 p.m. The prices are reminiscent of those in Cologne, the range is "made in Hungary". That's right, let the Ruhr people eat their sausage, here's our beloved sandwich. 1,150 each, hot dog: 950, pretzels and chips: 690. Water: 590, branded soft drink: 690, beer: 790. The glass has a liner, but it is beautiful and will be a fond memory. You can also get a gift item for 2,000, fridge magnet and key holder, hat and scarf: 6,500, t-shirt: 7,500, ball: 32,500. Plüss-Tricky: 5,000, that's the name of the mascot. "Mascot", as the lady in charge of atmosphere says. He and his excellent sports reporter and co-presenter enthuse the audience in two languages, although the attendees are approx. 95% Hungarian, but this is still a world event. That's probably why the deer is called Tricky. Before the opening ceremony, a larger interview with László Nagy. Only in English. Not everyone is happy about this, but the narrow half-hour show program is captivating. It is three-dimensional, even aerial gymnasts add color to it, which makes it truly breathtaking. At the beginning of the opening, it can be a third house, but by the end it is already a strong half house. Then people pour in with glasses in their hands, the house is already full for the presentation of the teams.
20,022 people. Never before in Hungary has there been so much on an entertainment program in the hall.
Almost as many throats as the Hungarian national anthem, it's a truly uplifting feeling!
László Edvi's full article HERE !
Featured image: MTI/Zsolt Szigetváry
