30.05.2014, 08:59
VELUX EHF FINAL4 opens in spectacular atmosphere

Up to 7,000 handball fans from whole Europe joined and enjoyed the spectacular event at the LANXESS arena on the eve of the tournament.

VELUX EHF FINAL4 opens in spectacular atmosphere

For the second year in a row, Cologne and the LANXESS arena opened its doors for the VELUX EHF FINAL4 opening party on Friday evening. Up to 7,000 handball fans from whole Europe joined and enjoyed the spectacular event in a pleasant weather.

The hosts Anett Sattler, Kristina Inhof, Markus Floth and newcomer Edit Szalay from Hungary offered a taste of the hot atmosphere to expect in the arena throughout the weekend, while the crowd was already well prepared in terms of spirits and enthusiasm.  

While THW Kiel supporters seemed to be the most numerous, the red colour of MKB-MVM Veszprém cropped up again and again.

All club mascots were present, animating the crowd, providing for entertainment during the whole evening.

New ball and all players presented

Following the presentation of the new adidas match ball, also the four participating teams lined up on the stage.

Marquess entered the stage with their famous song “Vayamos Companeros” to rock the crowd.

The fan village was open for more than two hours already giving the visitors the chance to give their best to beat the RoboKeeper, the fastest goalkeeper in the world. And it was not only the fans who tried to beat RoboKeeper. Handball legend Lars Christiansen gave his best to score a goal against that spectacular machine.

He as well enjoys being back in Cologne on behalf of main sponsor VELUX: “It is just fun celebrating with so many people. I am happy to be here again. In fact I am still linked to Germany quite close.”

Jean Brihault, EHF President, said with a smile: "It is a great event. Would be even much greater to participate as a player – but that is not an option for me anymore.”

Stefan Löcher, Managing Director of LANXESS arena, stated: "We enjoy an incredibly awesome event, a real handball happening, a sport spectacle.”

Crowd in the right mood

Visitors also had the chance to come face to face with their handball idols of the four finalists gathering autographs and having the unique opportunity to take a personal photo with the official VELUX EHF Champions League trophy.

Max, supporter of THW Kiel, said: “I am here for the fifth year already, atmosphere is great as usual. The opening party I mainly join to grab some autographs as well as to take the chance to get close to the players themselves.”

After a more than one-hour live concert of Cologne’s local band Kasalla, a huge fireworks to the tune of  the official VELUX EHF Champions League song “Do it like us” by Rob Fowler rounded the party evening. The crowd was put in just the right mood for the upcoming weekend, the biggest event of European club handball.

TEXT: Iris Magerl / br