Editor’s Note: This event happened before the countrywide restrictions pertaining to Coronavirus in SA came into effect. Furthermore, the Spanish football league season has since been indefinitely suspended owing to Spain’s Coronavirus crisis.
Johannesburg, South Africa - 02 March 2020 – Spanish football league, LaLiga Santander, hosted a private viewing of the exciting El Clásico showdown between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for South African football fans, media and sports personalities, on Sunday 01 March.
The event which is part of LaLiga’s internationalization strategy and objectives to bring LaLiga closer to Mzansi fans took place at Hard Rock Café, Sandton.
The event was attended by over 400 guests including fans of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF: LaLiga’s global and regional partners including Puma, Hollywoodbets, EA Sports, LiveScore, Shield alongside broadcasters SuperSport. Also present were South Africa influencers and celebrities who were all treated to an exquisite evening of unmatched entertainment. The MC for the evening was Maps Maponyane, South African presenter, model and public speaker.
The watch party which was open to fans of all ages - who registered online via Eventbrite to attend the free event - were treated to food, drinks and football related entertainment at the venue prior to the start of the most watched game in the world. The activities of the day included Budweiser PlayStation Pods, Foosball, Ping Ball machines, crowd quizzes and a social media competition where fans who posted their best event snap using the hashtag #ElClasicoInJozi got a chance to win an official jersey of their favourite team’s jersey.
The private viewing was a major lift for LaLiga in South Africa, as the watch party ensured that the LaLiga experience was felt over and above the physical game, but also allowed fans, celebrities, as well as key industry influencers to feel the impact and reach that LaLiga has in the global football community
Commenting on the event, LaLiga South Africa Managing Director, Marcos Pelegrín said: “Today’s ElClásico is a game that oozes all important facets of football and those are sheer excitement, drama and non-stop action. As LaLiga we are happy to have shared this experience with South African fans and our important partners. This game and other similar experiences we plan on hosting soon are what we are trying to bring to the continent, and the world – that’s bringing LaLiga closer to our core fans and sharing the Spanish flavor with the masses”
Such as other seasons #ElClasico was one of the top trending hashtags on twitter reaching millions of fans around the world, while #ElClasicoInJozi did the rounds in South Africa with the likes of seasoned television presenter Mac Masina, former rugby player Akona Ndungane, media personality Carol Tshabalala and prominent soccer legends, Brian Baloyi and Lefa Tsutsulupa sharing their experiences with their followers.
The match itself was in fact the biggest highlight of the day, with the final score speaking volumes about the rivalry, intensity and entertainment that the El Clasico brings to its viewers. The final score was 2-0, Real Madrid being crowned the victor, and if this game was anything to go by, LaLiga Santander should have more excitement in store for the rest of the season.
*Clockwork Media
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