VIDEO and PICTURES: Fanzone fans pack Inverness Ice Centre for Scotland v Germany

Results on the pitch may not have offered much to celebrate, but that didn’t stop fans packing out Inverness Ice Centre last night and enjoying themselves during the Scotland v Germany match.

The Tartan Army were in full voice to mark Scotland’s return to the Euros at the fan zone – or Eurozone.

And while the 5-1 defeat was far from the fairy-tale start to the tournament that fans were dreaming of, the packed crowd in the ice centre certainly enjoyed themselves regardless.

Gordon Barron, the CEO of the Ice Centre said the atmosphere had been “electric” and that the sold out event had been a massive success with fans,

“Last night was a ringing success completely – the match build up was incredible,” he said.

“Feedback we got was ‘it’s amazing’. We sold out all 700 tickets and had a waiting list of 200 more. So that’s amazing.”

He added that fans kept coming up to him and others in the team to congratulate them on organising the Eurozone and saying what a great idea it had been.

And that feedback was matched on the doors. He added: “The catering went down a treat and the bars and tills were ringing.

“Unfortunately, it was not the performance we were looking for on the pitch, but we’re looking forward to next Wednesday and Sunday’s [Scotland games].

“We expect those to be sell outs, so the message is buy now to avoid disappointment.”

He added that tickets for match days involving sides other than Scotland were naturally slightly stickier at selling, but that interest in the Eurozone was strong.

Every group match will be shown. with plans to screen round 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final matches also in the offing. Details for game days beyond June 26 will appear on the fanzone website in due course.

Entry will cost £10 for days when Scotland or England are playing, and £5 on other days. Group tickets are also available.

For more information, and to book tickets, visit https://www.highlandeurozone.co.uk/.

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