EUROPEAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: Where to watch the games

Unlike other years, Sofia will not have giant TV screens in public places showing the Euro 2008 games.

No company or organisation has requested the municipality to be allowed to place screens around the city, for the simple reason that Bulgaria failed to qualify for the biggest sport event in Europe this year.

The fans of the other 16 teams need not worry, because Sofia’s pubs and hotels are ready to face the happy multi-national crowds of fans of the game, The Sofia Echo established after phoning around various venues.

The list of venues showing the tournament, which starts on June 7 and ending on June 29, is a long one.

One of the choices could well be Flannagans pub and bar at Radisson SAS Grand Hotel, right across from Parliament. Besides the rich selection of beer, whisky and other drinks, fans can watch all games live on the pub’s main large-screen TV . The venue will have an additional TV screen for the duration of the tournament, The Sofia Echo was told. The phone number for reservations is 02/ 933 47 40.

Another option in central Sofia is the Hilton’s Artists bar. A special large-screen TV will be set up, along with a board that will keep everybody informed about games’ results, the hotel said. The phone number is 02/ 933 50 00.

For those living in the south-east part of Sofia, and not keen to take a ride to the city centre, the Holiday Inn next to Business Park Sofia is a good opportunity. On the outdoor terrace, there will be two wide-screen TVs, the hotel told The Sofia Echo. All games will be shown live. For those who want to keep the balance between sport and pleasure, the hotel is offering an exclusive option of relaxing in a jacuzzi while watching the games. To book, phone 02/ 807 07 24.

A tempting option is the summer garden at Grand Hotel Sofia. A wide-screen television will show the games, with Ivan Vazov National Theatre as the backdrop. For more infomation, phone 02/ 811 09 00.

For fans who like to share their emotions in a more casual atmosphere, Sofia’s pubs are arranging their welcomes.

JJ Murphy’s Irish Pub at 6 Kurnigradska Str is famous for its sporting spirit and has a long tradition of showing football games. All Euro 2008 games will be shown live on all of the pub’s four TV screens. The big flat-screen in the middle will be reserved for the most passionate fans. As at the Hilton, a board with the results of the games will set up at the pub. To book, phone 980 28 70

The Irish Harp, 7 Sveta Sofia Str, will show all games of the event on not one, not three TV screens, but 10.

Irly’s Pub in Ivan Vazov neighbourhood will install three flat TV screens. The garden will be specially prepared for the venue, the pub told The Sofia Echo. Other than that, fans will have the chance to experience a happy hour promotion, and there will be raffle tickets and a selection of teams’ t-shirts and scarfs. Phone 02/ 852 92 88.

The neighbouring Lozenets borough has the bar and restaurant 2030 Brasserie as an option. A large-screen TV will be placed at the venue, which is just a short stroll from the US embassy, at 1 Banat Str. Phone 02/ 868 34 91.

On the other side of the centre is Perfekt. A rather typical Bulgarian venue, Perfekt is at the corner near Orlov Most (Eagle's Bridge) next to Ariana Lake and Vassil Levski National Stadium. Three flat-screen TVs will show all the Euro 2008 games. At halftime breaks, fans can take a paddle boat on the lake, which has just opened for business after being empty for decades. Phone: 089/ 461 29 13.

Besides the listed places, Sofia will offer plenty of other choices, such as small pizza joints all around the city. A possible downside is that they are usually preferred by local people, which could make finding a free table difficult. It is also iffy as to whether menus in English will be available.

The resort town of Bansko has organised a beer fest on June 6 to 29 that will coincide with the tournament. A large-screen TV will be placed in the centre of Banko thanks to the co-operation of the city hall, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, First Investment Bank, Carlsberg and the tavern Molerite.

Enjoying Euro 2008 means some planning, choosing a venue and wishing your team success. If nothing else, it will be good exercise for the Beijing Summer Olympics, August 8 to 24.