Fans flock to Shrewsbury for European football match despite ground damage
- A European football match in Shrewsbury attracted about 2,000 fans from Sweden, boosting local businesses by 25%.
- Reports of vandalism emerged, with damage to seating and facilities attributed to Djurgarden supporters.
- Despite the negative incidents, local businesses reported overall positive outcomes from the increased foot traffic.
Last week, Shrewsbury Town, a football club in England, played a European match against Djurgarden, which brought about 2,000 fans from Sweden to the town. The match was significant not only for the teams involved but also for the local economy, as traders reported a substantial boost from the influx of supporters. Shrewsbury's Business Improvement District (BID) reported that footfall in shops and businesses rose by 25% compared to the previous Thursday and the same day last year. Local bar owner Kev Rippard highlighted the importance of the mid-week crowd, stating that it was beneficial for business as many pubs struggle to attract patrons during this time. However, the match was marred by reports of vandalism, with Shrewsbury Town officials stating that Djurgarden fans had caused damage to the facilities, including ripping out seats at Croud Meadow's West Stand and damaging tables and chairs in local bars. Stephanie Mansell-Jones from Shrewsbury BID acknowledged the incidents but emphasized that the overall feedback from businesses was overwhelmingly positive. While the vandalism detracted from the experience for some, many local establishments benefitted from the visitors, confirming the dual nature of such events in terms of community impact. Ultimately, this incident illustrates the complicated dynamic between hosting large sporting events and managing the accompanying challenges. While businesses enjoyed an uptick in sales and foot traffic, the adverse effects of fan behavior highlighted the need for effective crowd management strategies. Moving forward, local organizations may want to reconsider how to balance the economic benefits of hosting such matches against the potential for property damage and disorder that can arise from visiting supporters. The feedback from the local community suggests a need for better engagement with visiting fan groups to ensure a more harmonious outcome during future events. Overall, while Shrewsbury experienced a significant economic boost from the Swedish football fans, the associated challenges call for ongoing dialogue among stakeholders to prevent recurrences of damage amidst the excitement of international sports competition.