Mayor Michael Häupl bade a fond farewell to UEFA EURO 2008™ today, saying: "Vienna celebrated King Football and put on a peaceful and glorious festival of sport."

Long stint
Sunday's UEFA EURO 2008™ final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion marked the end of the competition, allowing the Austrian capital to reflect on a magnificent 23-day period in which various institutions came together in harmony to create a perfect environment for football. UEFA President Michel Platini acknowledged Vienna's success, presenting the mayor with two signed footballs as a gesture of thanks. Deputy mayor Grete Laska said: "UEFA EURO 2008™ proved once again that Vienna is a city for large and colourful celebrations. We have more than confirmed our image as good hosts. It was 23 wonderful and exciting days that brought people together."

Key factors
Häupl and Laska gave various reasons for the tournament's flourishing in Vienna – the UEFA EURO 2008™ Fan Zone in the heart of the city, the extension of the U2 underground line as the centrepiece of the transport project, the absence of traffic problems, and the efforts made by the emergency services. Both were delighted by the level of media interest and the positive impression made by Vienna. Also, the Old Lady – as the Viennese affectionately call the Ernst-Happel-Stadion – proved a worthy venue for the UEFA EURO 2008™ final, with the turf at the 76-year-old stadium shrugging off heavy rain while entrance systems and fan separation policies worked a treat.

Huge crowds
In total, 1,145,476 visitors came to the Vienna Fan Zone, which hit its maximum capacity of 74,200 for the Group B showdown between Austria and Germany on 16 June. Some 119,000 supporters visited the Fan Zone between Heldenplatz and City Hall on that day, although that record was broken on Sunday as more than 126,000 passed through at some point to witness the final. That such large numbers were transported so seamlessly around the city was a credit to the local transport policy. Despite fears about congestion, up to 30,000 fans used the U2 line to get to the Ernst-Happel-Stadion for every match without a hitch.

No problems
The emergency services also dealt comfortably with the extra pressure. "We prepared for two and a half years for this event," said Peter Hoffelner, head of operations for the Vienna emergency medical services. "It is reassuring when plans run just as smoothly in practice." Local police could also review a successful championship. With between 1,200 and 2,500 officers on duty every day, along with support staff from abroad, Vienna remained calm and safe with no major incidents reported.