FOOTBALL fever is sweeping across Gwent as fans gear up for Wales’ historic semi-final match against Portugal on Wednesday.

Companies, venues and pubs around are getting behind the Wales team, offering fans special events to watch the match, along with some special deals.

This is the first time Wales have ever reached the last four of a mahor international tournament.

Following a rallying call to the city from Argus editor Kevin Ward, charitable trust Newport Live worked with Newport City Council and Rodney Parade to host the city's first fanzone, which included three LED screens set up for fans to watch the historic Welsh team.

Following the success of the fanzone - which was packed with hundreds of fans for the Wales v Belgium clash last Friday - Newport Live has already sold more than one thousand tickets for Wednesday's match.

The Argus is an official partner for the event, and has provided marketing and promotional support for the fanzone.

There will one giant screen at Rodney Parade. Tickets cost just £3 for adults and are free for children aged under 12. They are available in advance online at www.newportlive.co.uk or in person from the Newport Centre, the Riverfront Theatre, Newport County's ticket office at Rodney Parade (which will be open from 10am to 7pm tomorrow), or by calling 01633 656757.

Tickets for the 5,000-capacity fanzone will only be available on the gate if they do not sell out ahead of time

Gates open tomorrow at 5pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off with Nation Radio covering the match build-up with music. Food and drink will be available and all bars will be open. You will not be allowed to take bottles or cans of drinks into the ground.

There will be an opportunity to meet and greet members of the Newport County AFC team between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and manager Warren Feeney will be interview on stage ahead of the game.

The Football Association of Wales and Newport Live Sports Development will also be running free sports activities for all ages ahead of kick off. Newport Live's 'Road to Rio' van will showcase a number of Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Chief Executive of Newport Live, Steve Ward, said: “We have had around 850 pre-sale tickets online and physical sales have pushed us over 1,000 tickets already.

“Physical sales have accelerated really quickly and we’re on course to get towards our 5,000 total by Wednesday — on Friday over 50 per cent of sales were people paying on the night so we’re expecting the same again.”

Commenting on the success of Newport’s fan zone, he added: “It’s why we work in the business that we do. It’s not very often you can celebrate your nation doing fantastically well and putting smiles on people’s faces.

“This is what is driving my team and we could be looking at doing this again one more time for the final."

Newport Bus will be providing free travel to fanzone ticket holders from 3pm tomorrow.

Bus company New Adventure Travel (NAT), is also celebrating Wales’ achievement by offering free travel to anyone wearing a Welsh football shirt.

Managing director of NAT, Kevyn Jones, said: “We want to recognise that, whilst many supporters will be attending the fan zones, there are many other businesses who will also be cheering on Wales and their efforts are much appreciated.

"That’s why it’s free travel across the network regardless of where you’re travelling to.”

For fans looking for other places to watch the game, several Gwent venues are opening their doors for match including The George in Maindee, which saw over 200 people attend last week.

Landlord Billy George Mckeen, 49, said: “The atmosphere was electric during the last game and we just want Wales to get through to the final and win.

“I’m actually Scottish and my wife is from Liverpool but I have lived in Wales for 26 years and behind them all the way.”

The Courtyard in Newport will also screen the game on projectors and plasma TVs while Warehouse 54 on Cambrian Road will offer post-footy themed karaoke.

For those wanting to watch the match with a bite to eat, Chepstow Racecourse will be offering a curry and a pint for £10 on the night.

Monmouthshire County Council will again host a outdoor Euro fan zone outside Caldicot Castle for the Wednesday bout, with tickets selling out in as little as eight minutes.

Cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, Councillor Bob Greenland, said: “It’s been wonderful to see whole families enjoying themselves.

“The team has performed beyond expectations and if they are successful against Portugal we will look to promote a further fan zone for the final. We wish them the very best of luck.”

Newport Council leader Debbie Wilcox also added a good luck wishes to the Welsh team ahead of their semi-final clash.

“The whole of Newport, in fact the whole of the UK, cannot fail to be impressed with the standard of football produced by this Welsh team who have played their hearts out,” she said.

“Fans everywhere wish you well and all the luck in the world for a win on Wednesday.”

Commenting on Newport’s fanzone, MP for Newport West Paul Flynn, added: “It's a wonderful idea to get people together to see the finest Welsh team ever.

“In addition to the pride in our skills, Wales’s success magnifies the identity of Wales throughout the world to an extent that will bring future benefits.”

Tickets are available for the Newport Fanzone on Newport Live’s website and ticket line and can also be bought from Newport International Sports Village, The Riverfront Theatre and the Newport Centre.