UEFA Champions Festival to take place in Istanbul during final week

Alongside the showcase event of the football season, the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Internazionale Milano at Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday 10 June, those in Istanbul can enjoy plenty of football-related entertainment, live music, giveaways and much more at the 2023 UEFA Champions Festival taking place 8 to 11 June at Yenikapı Festival Park. Festival admission is free and open to all, even to those without a match ticket.  

Festival goers will experience a full programme of UEFA and sponsor activations over the four-day event beginning with the opening ceremony on Thursday 8 June at 11:00 where the UEFA Champions League Trophy will arrive on site presented by UEFA Champions League Ambassadors.

Two giant stages will provide an extensive line-up of live music from Turkish and international music artists including Friday night’s headliner, award-winning DJ, Lost Frequencies.  

Friday will also feature the Ultimate Champions Match on the UEFA Champions Pitch between UEFA Champions League and Turkish legends at 15:00. Throughout the four-day festival, the pitch will also host UEFA social and environmental sustainability programmes, women’s matches, youth tournaments, sponsor activations as well as free play sessions for the public.  

The prestigious UEFA Champions League Trophy will be on full display under the iconic star ball dome where visitors can enjoy a unique experience and take a selfie with the most sought-after prize in club football from Thursday 8 June until the trophy departs for the stadium on Saturday 10 June. Fans will be able to buy exclusive merchandise at the UEFA Champions Festival Official Shop and visit the UEFA Champions League team captain’s jerseys exhibit of the 32 teams that participated in this year’s competition.

Additional festival activities will include a five-aside mini pitch, skills challenges, selfie points, inflatable football activities, football freestylers, giveaways, a children’s zone, local dancers performing traditional Turkish dances, stilt walkers, a wide range of food stalls including traditional delights and local dishes, and much more.  

The Champions Festival will conclude on Sunday 11 June with an earthquake benefit concert on the main stage with special guests.

Visitors are encouraged to download the UEFA Champions League App, where the official event companion will soon feature the full festival programme, an interactive map and daily live updates.  

Further information about the festival including how to get to Yenikapı, Etkinlik Alanı, payment options for food and merchandise, and much more, can be found here.

A more detailed agenda of the festival with information about the earthquake benefit concert and the full entertainment programme will be made available in due course.  

Festival hours  

Thursday 8 June: 11:00-23:00

Friday 9 June: 11:00-23:00

Saturday 10 June: 11:00-19:00

Sunday 11 June: 11:00-22:00

All times local  

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Note to media  

Media representatives are welcome to attend and can apply for accreditation by sending an email to championsfestival2023@gmail.com.

There will be a dedicated working area for accredited media at the festival.