There are another 350 days to go until 9 June 2006 - and the start of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM. The time left until kick-off is now being shown by a countdown clock on the roof of the transport pavilion at Buer bus station. On Friday it was unveiled by the mayor of Gelsenkirchen, Frank Baranowski, WM ambassador Olaf Thon and Harald Schröder, the marketing manager of CASIO Europe. This representative display of the precise, radio-controlled time was made possible by World Cup sponsor Casio.

High above the heads of pedestrians and passengers, the countdown clock brings a touch of World Cup atmosphere to town. The clock display has a sporting theme, and the number of days left and the time are indicated by yellow numbers. People arriving at Buer bus station are now welcomed by the World Cup message: "Here we go, the countdown is on!"

"Gelsenkirchen is already gripped in football fever. To document this fact to our guests from neighbouring towns and cities, we are welcoming them at the bus station with the countdown clock. When the World Cup kicks off we will celebrate here with fans from all over the world", said Mayor Baranowski at the presentation.