Benidorm is gearing up for a massive influx of football supporters from both England and Scotland as fans seek budget-friendly alternatives to watching the World Cup this summer.
Thousands of Three Lions and Tartan Army followers have secured trips to the popular Spanish resort, where they plan to watch matches together in bars serving pints for as little as £2.60.
Package holidays to the Costa Blanca destination cost considerably less than a single Category 1 ticket for England’s opening fixture against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on June 17, which is priced at £523.
Scottish supporters facing prohibitive costs for travel to tournament host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico are also opting for the Spanish alternative.
Spanish authorities are taking no chances following disorder involving England supporters during Euro 2024, when fans clashed with locals in the resort town.
Police in Alicante province, which covers Benidorm, are establishing a dedicated coordination centre at their headquarters to manage the expected crowds.
Riot officers will be held in reserve should trouble break out during the tournament period.
With matches scheduled to kick off late at night due to time zone differences, supporters could begin drinking from as early as 3pm, heightening concerns about alcohol-fuelled incidents.
England fans could be forced to watch the final in Benidorm
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A spokesman for Alicante province police said: “We will have enough officers on duty. We are experienced at managing tourists in our area.”
Bar owners in Benidorm are ramping up their own security arrangements in anticipation of the rival fan groups.
Anna Cladigo, who runs City Sports Bar, told the Sun: “We will have plenty of security. We know England and Scotland fans are rivals. We will have a hotline straight to the police and they will be here within two minutes if needed.”
Antonio Sevilla, boss of Coolaude Sports Bar, expressed similar concerns about the potential for trouble.
The Spanish town was a popular spot for England fans
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He told the publication: “There are problems on the strip when people drink too much, and we know many fans are coming.”
The preparations reflect widespread anxiety among local businesses about managing large numbers of supporters from historically rival nations drinking together throughout the day.
Travel data reveals the scale of the anticipated migration to Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
Flight comparison website Kiwi.com reported that bookings from Scotland to Spain for June and July have more than doubled compared with the same period last year.
Scotland fans could be descending on Benidorm for the tournament
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Summer flight prices from the UK have already climbed in response to the surge in demand.
A spokesperson for the travel site said: “England and Scotland fans are travelling to Spain for a more affordable holiday with a great atmosphere.”
Martin Riddell, of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, acknowledged that while approximately 10,000 Scottish supporters will make the journey to the World Cup itself, others have chosen Spain as their destination instead.