Champions Festival news
Monday, May 10, 2010
Article summary
The Champions Festival, to be held at the Parque del Retiro in the week leading up to the final in Madrid, will boast a range of attractions and activities to suit fans of any age.
Article top media content
Article body
Champions Festival, 15 to 22 May, Parque del Retiro
Opening times:
Saturday 15 May 12.00-23.30
Sunday 16 May 12.00-23.30
Monday 17 May 16.00-23.30
Tuesday 18 May 16.00-23.30
Wednesday 19 May 10.00-23.30
Thursday 20 May 10.00-23.30
Friday 21 May 10.00-23.30
Saturday 22 May 9.00-19.00
The Champions Festival will be a real 'Fiesta del Fútbol' in the week leading up to the UEFA Champions League final, with attractions and activities to appeal to all ages: competitions, games, tests of skill, public football pitches, ball-juggling displays, musical performances and much, much more. Admission is free.
Both finalists will be represented and will be greeting their fans, especially on the afternoon of Friday, 21 May, when their ambassadors will come to the UEFA Champions Festival. Meanwhile, there will be a showcase for UEFA's activities, including the Respect campaign, while the UEFA Champions League's commercial partners will display their wares and offer a variety of activities.
Football will, of course, be the star of the show. Everyone attending the festival will have the chance to take part in impromptu five-a-side matches on the main football pitch and on mini-pitches that have been created specially with children in mind. In addition, there will be daily skills clinics with top European stars like Fernando Hierro, Brian Laudrup and Christian Karembeu.
Fans will have the opportunity to be photographed with the UEFA Champions League trophy and visit the Museum of Champions, which features memorabilia connected with the greatest names and games in European club football, while the Theatre of Champions presents a history of the European Champion Clubs' Cup and UEFA Champions League on a 180-degree panoramic screen.
Ultimate Champions Match (Saturday 22 May, 14.00, Parque del Retiro)
Emilio Butragueño's team of Spanish legends will defend local pride against an international lineup composed of famous old pros, including Michael Laudrup, Steve McManaman, Christian Karembeu and Rui Costa. See for yourself the truth behind the adage that says class is permanent.