By David Gold
June 7 – UEFA President Michel Platini has helped unveil the 2012 European Championship International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) in Warsaw, while insisting he was “sure we are going to have a fine Euros”.
The tournament, being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, gets underway tomorrow and the IBC, which is the hub for broadcast operations, was opened by Platini (pictured above, second left), alongside Poland’s Sports Minister Joanna Mucha and Warsaw Deputy Mayor Jacek Wojciechowicz.
It is located on the western edge of the city centre, and the IBC master control room will receive signals from all eight host stadiums via fibre networks, distributing these to broadcast partners across the globe.
Platini, who lit-up Euro 1984 when he scored nine goals as France lifted the trophy for the first time, said: “It is true to say that there is no football without television, and that television also needs football.
“Thanks to you, many people in the world are going to see some fabulous football events, and it is for this reason that I would like to thank the Polish Government, the city of Warsaw, and all the team who have worked for the creation of the IBC.
“I am sure that we are going to have a fine Euro.”
The IBC in Warsaw is 30 per cent larger than the one used for Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.
More than 1,100 people will be based at the centre, with 150 million viewers across 200 countries watching the action this summer.
It features television studios, edit suites, production areas and offices, as well as shops, restaurants and other services.
“Today we have another important day before the championships begin,” Mucha (pictured below, centre) said.
“We are in a place in which, in three days, there will be feeds and signals which show how Poland and Ukraine have prepared.
“I am sure that the IBC’s location, technical facilities and excellent staff will guarantee perfect quality.”
The main facilities at the IBC began construction in March and were completed last month.
When the IBC is dismantled, some of the wood and doors used will be recycled to help build homes.
“Euro 2012 is a great celebration of sport, and thanks to your work, people worldwide will be able to see this event,” Wojciechowicz (pictured above, left) added.
“I am very pleased that the IBC is located in Warsaw, and we have done everything to make sure that it fulfils expectations.”
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