Manchester United FC along with Uber held an event recently at Orion Mall to give fans the most authentic experience of one of the most historic stadiums in the world without having to leave their city.
The three-day event which was conducted with the help of Copa90 and Manifold, which is an experience agency from America, had a host of events and sections that brought the atmosphere of the legendary stadium Old Trafford to Orion Mall. Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, who is currently playing for the Kerala Blasters was also present at the event to do a fan meet.
Chief brand officer, Bozoma Saint John at Uber said, “We are collapsing space and time between the MUFC global fan base by bringing them closer to their passion for the sport and their fellow supporters, creating an opportunity to experience the Theatre of Dreams in a way only Uber can do.”
The event included an entrance that resembles the players’ tunnel that is used to get on to the field before the start of play. Inside the venue, a newly created locker room area along with numerous jerseys of players who currently represent the club hang for the audience to have a photo session.
Another section included memorabilia that was brought all the way from the Manchester United museum in Old Trafford just to be on display for the event most notably David Beckham’s custom designed Adidas boots from the late 90s along with Peter Schmeichel’s jersey used in one of the games in the 98/99 Champions League where Manchester United won their historic treble in Barcelona, and Gary Pallister’s FA Cup finals jersey from 1994.
The organisers also managed to re-create the holy trinity statue residing outside Old Trafford with real people posing as the great George Best, Dennis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton to give the experience an extra nice touch.
An impressive 360 experience pod was created to give the audience the most realistic experience of a trip to a game day in Old Trafford which started on the streets along with the thousands of fans, and finally went inside the stadium to allow the audience to have a complete view of the iconic stadium and the atmosphere brought during a game.
Manchester United’s group managing director Richard Arnold said, "Through Destination United, Uber has come up with some really creative ways in which they can connect with our fans worldwide. Their ability to do this on a global scale allows us to engage further with these fans, creating lasting memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for supporters of all ages, no matter where they are in the world.”
The event was capped off with a screening of the Manchester United vs Arsenal match which was held on Sunday. Manchester United emerged as 2-1 victors with Marouane Fellaini scoring in injury time.
Wes Brown later joined the media to talk about the development of Indian football and what it would take for the country to progress in a sport that has always been overshadowed by the popularity of cricket. “The new football scene of India and the league (Indian Super League) is just four years old. I knew it was going to be different before I took up the job (with Kerala Blasters). I enjoyed my time at Kerala. The lads are great you know. They understand the game. Obviously, the ISL is not the (Barclays) Premier League but it's different. Hopefully through the years, you can get the quality and the high standards better. In general, the preparations in the ISL and Premier League are same before any game. The lads want to do well. Practice and time is needed now and, in a few years, they will get better and do the same for the national team as well,” he said.