Fan zones at major sporting events are planned events that aim to manage large crowds of fans in city centers in a controlled manner while providing economic and branding benefits to the host city. They require balancing various stakeholder interests like sponsors, security concerns, and local businesses and residents. Issues discussed include managing cultural differences, public safety, and tensions between corporate and grassroots interests in fan spaces. Future challenges include the role of live sites at the 2012 London Olympics and ensuring a celebratory national atmosphere is created.