16,000 people are expected at the Nord Energi Arena for the opening of the Dana Cup 2023 on Monday the 24th of July, the 40th Anniversary Tournament.
The Dana Cup was founded in 1982, with its base in Fortuna Hjørring. So, it is very symbolic that it is two girls' teams that will kick off the 40th Anniversary Tournament.
The two teams who will enjoy a week of football, socializing and fun, are AGF, Aarhus from Denmark and CHIVAS from Mexico. The teams will line up in class G17, the second oldest class at the Dana Cup.
It's all about football
- The opening match has been left out of the program for a few years but was brought back again last year, because the Dana Cup is all about football, says Torben Vandsted – Press Manager. He assures us that the route through Hjørring’s streets will be just as spectacular as before, even if some of the city's streets look quite different this year.
- Among other things, Strømgade has been renovated with new pavements and a nice waterway through the street but we can easily handle the large procession, emphasizes Torben. He adds that the festive procession, including most of the 1.120 teams will start at field 18 in HI. The parade will arrive at the Nord Energi Arena at 20.10, just five minutes after skydivers have landed in the center circle of the football pitch.
Nord Energi Arena is open to the public from 18.30, where a DJ will entertain with some good grooves.
Official speeches
When the teams are in place on the arena, Hjørring's Mayor Søren Smalbro will do the official opening and then Norwegian Football Legend Dan Eggen will take over the microphone. Dan, is a former Brøndby player with 25 games for the Norwegian National team.
After the official speeches are over, the Dana Cup fire is lit and it will burn throughout the tournament.
The opening ceremony ends as it began, with music by the DJ.
Photo: AGF, Aarhus