Berlin will host official World Cup party

The official party for the soccer World Cup will be held at Berlin's 17. Juni boulevard, which runs between the German capital's Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate.

Berlin expects huge crowds during matches at the wide boulevard, which runs through its biggest park and once held the Love Parade, a techno music festival that attracted up to 1 million people.

The city of Berlin will set up numerous jumbo screens along the boulevard for the Germans and the 3.5 million visitors expected to attend. Many won't be able to buy the scarce tickets for the event, which starts in June.

The 17. Juni boulevard was chosen after months of debate, with sponsors, police and soccer officials ruling out other sites near the government quarters because of security concerns. Berlin will also host the World Cup final and an opening gala that kicks off the tournament, AP reports.

A. A.