Montecasino will host fans who can’t be at soccer games during the World Cup at their MTN fan zones

There is no better feeling than joining the throes of sporting fans on the stands of a fully-packed stadium, all wearing their jerseys with pride and shouting their support for their various teams – and the atmosphere at Montecasino for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will be no different.

“From a seat in the winter sun on the Montecasino Piazza, you’ll be able to enjoy all the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ matches in Gauteng’s most exclusive MTN FAN ZONE, courtesy of a proud partnership between Montecasino and MTN. This will be the ultimate fan zone viewing experience, with live entertainment, giveaways and interactive on-screen and fan stage games,” comments Steve Howell, General Manager of Montecasino.

You’ll feel like you’re right there on the field with your favourite players from the time the first whistle blows to the final second of the last game, as you take in all 25 action-packed FIFA World Cup™ days live on Montecasino’s HUGE OUTDOOR SCREEN. Bring your friends and family along to enjoy the camaraderie as the world unites behind their sporting heroes, and stands behind their nation with pride.

The MTN Fan Zone promises a real-life stadium experience and, for just R50, the one-day pass will give soccer fans access to all the games on offer that day on the Montecasino Piazza, non-stop live entertainment, a drink (beer, cider, wine or soft drink) and hotdog, all the soccer action you can handle and loads of prizes to be won. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to a nominated charity of both MTN and Montecasino.

If you forget to bring your Vuvuzela along, you’ll find everything you need to get into the spirit, with various sporting merchandise stalls on property, promotional giveaways, including Vuvuzelas (MTN Zazu Horn) giveaways, fun MTN Ayoba hats, and much more! And if that’s not enough for you, be sure not to miss the live bands. The likes of Evolver One and Wonderboom are some of the bands scheduled to entertain crowds. Emmanuel Castis will grace audiences with his voice, one of SA’s top hip-hop groups Jozi, and SA rapper Zulu Boy are scheduled to give audiences an exciting performance. The ever-so-popular Dr Victor will also be around to wow the crowds. The performances will take place before and after all matches. Also on the entertainment schedule are soccer freestylers to help you brush up on your footie skills, as well as various other soccer-related entertainments just waiting to be enjoyed.

And at half-time? Sit back, relax and catch your breath (for the second half of shouting for your team and Vuvuzela blowing), or enjoy a bite to eat and an ice-cold beer or soft drink at the beer garden, all while taking advantage of the beautiful South African climate.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited, there’s also the MTN LAST MINUTE TICKET COMPETITION, which will give all MTN Fan Zone ticket holders the opportunity to win last-chance tickets to see a live FIFA World Cup™ match in Jo’burg, with a ‘luxury’ transfer to the stadium, at a stage when tickets will simply no longer be available.

ENTERTAINMENT, GAMING AND MUCH MORE

From giving patrons the latest scores on their tables’ screens, to flags emblazoned on the table games, and over 20 restaurants and fast food outlets showcasing special menu items created specifically for the FIFA World Cup™, Montecasino is geared up to welcome the world.

Keeping the kids entertained for four weeks Montecasino’s special kiddies entertainment, such as the MONTECASINO BIRD GARDENS daily educational holiday programme 14 June to 9 July for young animal-lovers from 7 to 12 years of age, or treat them to any of the back-to-back 3D BLOCKBUSTERS NuMetro lined up. Young budding theatre-lovers can enjoy the wonderful, much-loved Beautiful Creatures full stage production at the Teatro at Montecasino from Friday 18 June to Sunday 4 July or, for children in search of air-borne adventures, the ABSA BALLOON offers safe and exhilarating flights on a fixed-line balloon, with R10 per child discounts in June and July. There’s also a chance for kids to learn all the diski dance moves to get into the soccer spirit. For adults, the Teatro at Montecasino will be showcasing one of South Africa’s greatest talents when international jazz icon and all-time favourite South African musician, composer and bandleader HUGH MASEKELA, fondly known locally as ‘Bra Hugh”, takes to the stage for two concerts only, presented in association with Kaya FM 95.9, on Thursday, 8 July and Friday, 9 July 2010 commencing at 20h00. Gaming enthusiasts haven’t been forgotten – log on to www.montecasino.co.za to find out all the details of our gaming promotion.

With all this soccer action, kids fun and world class entertainment in one place, Montecasino is the ONLY place to be if you can’t be at the game! Find out more about all the soccer and holiday action at Montecasino on www.montecasino.co.za