Euro 2024: Deutsche Bahn's onboard beer sales double
June 23, 2024
Deutsche Bahn doubled its beer sales in the first six days of Euro 2024, the country's national rail operator said Sunday.
The European soccer championships are being held at stadiums in 10 cities across Germany until July 14.
Deutsche Bahn said in a statement that fans had necked 44,588 liters of beer — twice the usual volume — that were bought on board between June 14 and 19. That's in addition to alcohol carried on board from outside vendors.
Snack and beverage sales have also been boosted by the tournament, with a 63% increase in demand for bratwurst sausage in rolls.
More trains with more seats for the European Championship
Deutsche Bahn, one of the main sponsors of Euro 2024, reported that more than 3 million people, including thousands of football fans, utilized its high-speed ICE and intercity trains in the first six days of the tournament.
The company said it had so far sold 182,000 fan tickets, around 60,000 Fan BahnCards (railcards) and around 7,000 Interrail passes, which include travel to and from other European countries.
Deutsche Bahn has laid on an additional 10,000 seats per day around match days and is offering discounted fares for match ticket holders.
The cities that saw the most fans arriving were Germany's capital, Berlin, in first place, followed by Frankfurt and Munich.
Dozens of cities have also set up 'fan zone' viewing areas with giant TV screens, which have seen large crowds, many traveling by train.
German rail network still beset by delays
Deutsche Bahn admitted that despite running more and longer-length trains, the rail network continued to see disruptions on key routes during the tournament's first few days.
Delayed train journeys have become a major problem for German commuters in recent years.
Once seen as a symbol of German efficiency and punctuality, the country's rail network has been increasingly beset by what observers have said is chronic underinvestment and strikes by workers.
The operator has planned an extensive overhaul of the railways by 2030, although major work will only start once the Euros wrap up.
Swiss, Romanian teams pick train over plane
Several national teams are traveling to their group-phase matches by rail, Deutsche Bahn said, including Switzerland and Romania.
Germany's national team is traveling by bus to and from their games.
Germany beat off competition from Turkey to host the Euro 2024 tournament, which began on June 14.
The tournament is in the last few days of the group stage, with 24 teams currently vying for a place in the last 16.
The first Round of 16 match takes place on Saturday, June 29, with the final played in Berlin on July 14.
With material from DPA news agency
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar