Interview with Giovanni Cansani, Lugano City Councillor

Is Ticino really looking forward to the EURO 2008? How about you personally?

Euro 08 will without a doubt be the sporting event of the year. Anyone who loves sport, even an aging stay-at-home such as myself, is waiting for this event, which will reawaken an old passion for football that never really died. Lots of sporting personalities will come together in the cities of Austria and Switzerland, people who have become very famous and well loved through the media. And then there's the Swiss national team that we want to support and spur on. Yes, I'm definitely excited and very much looking forward to the Euro 08. I'm also hoping that many other fans of a similar age as myself, who these days have to do with being a mere spectator, will find their enthusiasm rekindled. Adrenalin levels will rise, the tension will become palpable, and the stresses of everyday life will be forgotten.

Why will we be seeing you at the UBS ARENA?
I've succumbed to football fever! Since I won't be able to watch the matches in person at the Swiss and Austrian stadiums, I want to join other fans and follow the action on the big screen. This togetherness, sharing in the celebration, the tears, and the joy is what it's all about. Obviously, anyone whose heart is no longer as strong as it once was should avoid getting too worked up, but it won't be easy - there is a risk on occasions like this of throwing caution to the wind and giving yourself over completely to the moment. I'll try my best!

Will you be visiting the arena for the football or more to "see and be seen"?
The heroes of the UBS ARENA will not be the spectators but the players on the pitch, fighting it out for victory. I think it will be the same for all of us: You go to watch the match, be a part of the experience, and let the football fever take hold. Even people who turn up dressed in crazy costumes won't stand out much. The real heroes, those who truly deserve our attention, will be up there on the big screen. It will be their football prowess that's in the spotlight.

How important is the UBS ARENA for Lugano?
Our city is proud to have been chosen for this event due to the UBS ARENA's special and interesting nature. Lugano will sadly not be hosting any of the actual matches, but it will nevertheless play a key role in staging this celebration of football. We've never seen anything of this magnitude before. A place to meet, entertainment, excitement, and a healthy sporting passion: What more could anyone want? And here's one last comment: It's extremely important to respect your opponent and not to leave your good behavior and sportsmanship at home. I also want to stress that public transport is there to get you to the arena quickly and safely, so it's better not to come by car.

The place to be is the area south of the Cornaredo stadium. I'd like to wish everyone a great time at the UBS ARENA!