The Hampden Roar exhibition a huge success

As Scotland gears up to host four UEFA EURO 2020 matches next year ‘The Hampden Roar’, an exciting family-friendly football exhibition, recently toured the country featuring the European Championship trophy. This was brought to life by VisitScotland’s EventScotland team, the Scottish FA, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football Museum.

Celebrating the EURO 2020 matches taking place at Hampden Park next year, the exhibition visited Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, giving fans throughout Scotland the chance to immerse themselves in the 60-year history of the competition.

The exhibition had five interactive zones, including the chance to get a photo with the coveted Henri Delaunay Cup, and offered fans the opportunity to meet Skillzy and see freestyle footballers in action. There was something for everyone to come and enjoy! The panna court and hexagol football skills game provided a place for children and adults alike to enjoy activities and skills challenges. The Iconic Moments zone featured precious artefacts from the Scottish Football Museum including squad shirts from Scottish footballing icons, Ally McCoist and Paul McStay. In the Heroes Dressing Room fans could get their photos and the all-important selfie and the Fans First zone which captured Scots fans greatest and most iconic moments from the tournament’s history on camera.

In the other zones, fans were offered Eur-own chance to play with a mini-pitch – a place for children and adults alike to enjoy activities like a dribbling competition, penalty kick and skills training. Also included is an Iconic Moments zone – a travelling museum exhibiting precious artefacts from the Scottish Football Museum including squad shirts from Scottish footballing icons, Ally McCoist and Paul McStay – Heroes Dressing Room, the perfect backdrop for the all-important selfie and, finally, the Fans First zone which will capture Scots fans greatest and most iconic moments from the tournament’s history.

4,500 people interacted with the exhibit across the 4 stops and the trophy also enjoyed its very own photoshoot tour of iconic Scottish locations before coming back to Hampden Park.

A recent survey of Scottish football fans revealed their most iconic moments in the history of the European Championship Tournament was underdog’s Greece winning the tournament in 2004. The 1996 tournament was found to be Scotland’s favourite every year with some of the nation’s greatest football legends competing, including John Collins, Colin Hendry, Ally McCoist and Gary McAllister.

‘The Hampden Roar’ was brought to life by VisitScotland’s EventScotland team, the Scottish FA, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Football Museum and local partners.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for world-class events and our diverse portfolio of events is pivotal to bringing visitors to the country. We are extremely excited to be working with all the partners to bring this iconic trophy to Scotland for the first time. This keenly anticipated competition will showcase everything Glasgow and Scotland have to offer, and we’re delighted to be part of the celebrations.”

Richard McBrearty, the curator of the Scottish Football Museum, said: “We are a proud delivery partner for ‘The Hampden Roar’, a fantastic way to showcase just some of the rich collection we have at the Museum and to celebrate our special opportunity to host four games in this unique EURO. Our dedicated UEFA EURO 2020 exhibition can be found in the Museum and everyone is always welcome.

Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: "I'm delighted the travelling football exhibition, ‘The Hampden Roar’, is coming to Dundee as part of its tour of the country.

“It offers a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the excitement of the EUROs.

“With five interactive zones, including the chance to get a photo with the coveted Henri Delaunay Cup, there is something for everyone to come and enjoy.”