5,000 fans flock to the LANXESS arena on the eve of biggest event in club handball

The 2013 VELUX EHF FINAL4 made a spectacular entry to Cologne. For the first time a large opening party threw off Europe’s biggest event in club handball and 5,000 fans came, transforming the area outside the LANXESS arena into a bustling party zone.

Many of the fans were already sporting their favourite team’s colours and especially the supporters of KS Vive Targi Kielce showed that they’ll be a vocal force to reckon with as they were emphatically cheering when the players of the Polish national champions entered the stage.

Apart from watching the teams as they were presented to the teams, there was plenty to do, see and experience around the LANXESS arena. The Fan Village, where many were trying to beat the VELUX Robokeeper, had already opened its doors.

EHF President, Jean Brihault, and Jürgen Roters, Lord Mayor of Cologne, welcomed the fans to the VELUX EHF FINAL4 and its hosting city, before Jenna Hoff, Nathalie Dorra and Ole Soul, all three participants of TV show “Voice of Germany”, as well Cologne band, Bläck Fööss, took to the stage to rock the crowd.

“I’m here for the second time and so happy that I can finally cheer for my favourite team,” said HSV Hamburg supporter, Jürgen Zeltsche. “The opening party was awesome, especially Bläck Fööss’ performance. Even though I am from Hamburg, I really enjoyed it.”

“The party was fantastic. And there will be some fantastic matches over the weekend. It’s a must for every handball fan to be here,” said Harald Fischer.

Take a look at the photo galleries from the opening party.