Experience the spirit of the VELUX EHF FINAL4 at the Opening Party

There will be plenty of action, including the appearance of several music and handball stars, surrounding the LANXESS arena, the venue of VELUX EHF FINAL4, on Friday, 31 May.

The climax of the European club handball season, featuring THW Kiel, FC Barcelona Intersport, HSV Hamburg, and Vive Targi Kielce as Europe's top four teams, for the first time throws off with a large opening party to get up to 4,999 handball fans in the right mood before the focus shifts to the semi-finals on Saturday.

Over 3,000 tickets have already been sold, so be quick to secure your spot at this grand opening party.

The gates will open at 17.30 hrs, and from 18:00 to 19:00 hrs. fans will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the coveted VELUX EHF Champions League Trophy.

However, one should also not miss what is happening on the large open-air stage in front of the arena, where the famous Cologne band, Bläck Fööss, as well as Jenna Hoff, Nathalie Dorra, and Ole Soul, all three well-known participants of 'The Voice of Germany', and Robeat, the human beatbox, will rock and entertain the crowd.

Large fireworks at about 22:00 hrs. will form the conclusion of the opening party, which marks a worthy start of this year's VELUX EHF FINAL4.

A variety of handball, music and fan activities will get fan in the party spirit for the biggest club handball event of the year.

Meet the stars of the VELUX EHF FINAL4

Players from all four teams will make a special appearance at the event, talking about the crucial matches ahead and signing autographs for fans.

The club mascots will also be at the party to take part in the activities, greet fans and entertain children.

Exhilarating live performance from Bläck Fööss

The musical highlight of the evening is the open-air gig from Bläck Fööss. The ambassadors of Cologne culture will be sure to interest all musical tastes.

Enjoy not just the hits of Cologne’s favourite band but also a glass of the city’s famous drink – Kölsch – a free drink (300 ml) is included in the opening party ticket price.

Legends of handball in Cologne

The handball stars and legends of the sport will be in Cologne to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the event. Those who want to meet their handball idols simply cannot afford to miss this party.

Many famous names from the world of handball will take the stage alongside the teams to speak to the crowd and are sure to stick around to sign some autographs.

Human Beat-box

Entertaining fans will also be one of Germany’s most talented beat-boxers, who will be entertaining crowds with his unique show on the main stage.

Special photo opportunity – a photo with the winners’ trophy

Before the players take to the court to battle for the winners’ trophy, it will be presented at the fan party, with the opportunity to have a photo taken with the most coveted trophy in Europe.
The trophy will be made available just for fans to take photos between 18:00 and 19:00 hrs.

Beat the Robokeeper and more…

Official partner adidas will present the new match ball, the stabil Champ CL, at the event and title sponsor, the VELUX Group, will offer fans the chance to compete against RoboKeeper, the fastest goalkeeper in the world.

Tested and beaten recently by no less a talent than footballer, Lionel Messi, the RoboKeeper has now been programmed for handball for the very first time. Which professional handball player or fan will follow Messi?

At the Opening Party, visitors can test themselves against the high-tech goalkeeper, and there will be plenty of top players also wanting to add their names to the list of those that have beaten the RoboKeeper.

VELUX EHF FINAL4 merchandising will also be available to purchase during the Opening Party.

Ticket information:
Purchase your Opening Party tickets here!

Ticket price: 7 Euro (standard price), 5 Euro for children up to 18-years-old. Every ticket includes a voucher for one free 300 ml drink.

The tickets for the party are to purchase available through:
- Ticket Shop
- the ticket hotline: +49 221-8020
- at the LANXESS arena
- via all good ticket distributors

Where: In front of and in the LANXESS arena foyer
When: Friday, 31 May 2013, 18.00 – 22.00 hrs (Entry from 17:30 hrs)