2011 EHF FINAL4 returns to Cologne

The Executive Committee of the European Handball Federation held a meeting in Százhalombatta, Hungary, on 10-11 June. Among other topics, the ExeC confirmed the venue of the 2011 EHF FINAL4. The second edition of the EHF FINAL4 will be carried out in the LANXESS arena in Cologne.

Successful premiere of the EHF FINAL4

The new competition format of the EHF Champions League, including the EHF FINAL4 weekend, was introduced during the 2009/10 season in order to create a highlight event for club handball and further increase the attention of handball fans and international media.

The EHF Champions League FINAL4 took place for the first time on 29-30 May 2010 in the LANXESS arena of Cologne, Germany. The two-day event, including the organisation, atmosphere in the LANXESS arena, quality of matches, show elements and fan entertainment, has been extremely well received by handball fans, partners and sponsors, TV and media representatives, volunteers and staff.

The tournament has been described in newspapers as one of the best events in the last 20 years setting new standards in the areas of show, entertainment and organisation.

Cologne confirmed for 2011

The success of the 2009/10 EHF Champions League FINAL4 will provide a springboard for the further development of the EHF Champions League and EHF FINAL4 brands. Based on the first analysis of the event, the Executive Committee has decided to confirm the LANXESS arena as the venue for one more season.

The 2010/11 EHF Champions League FINAL4 will take place on 28/29 May 2011.

EHF President Tor Lian is looking forward to another big event in the LANXESS arena: “Cologne has proved its hospitality for the fans and its dedication for organising a perfect EHF FINAL4 event. The premiere edition was truly fantastic and I am very optimistic that the upcoming edition will be just as successful.”

Ralf Bernd Assenmacher, CEO of ARENA Management GmbH: “This year's EHF Champions League FINAL4 showed once again that LANXESS arena is one of the best venues for handball. It is a special honour for us that the EHF has its full confidence in Cologne. With the support of the City, we will certainly repeat the success of the first EHF FINAL4. Handball fans from all around the world will be happy to return and celebrate a great handball event in the LANXESS arena and in the city of Cologne."

Future of the EHF FINAL4

While an in-depth analysis of the 2010 EHF FINAL4 is being carried out, a discussion on the future playing venues of the EHF FINAL4 will continue during the next season. The debate will take into account organisational and sporting aspects at the same time.

Tickets sales start in September

Don’t miss your chance to be among the over 19,000 fans filling the LANXESS arena on 28/29 May 2011 once again. The first tickets for the 2010/11 EHF Champions League FINAL4 will be on sale from September 2010.

All you need to do now is sign up for the Ticket Alarm and get all the latest EHF FINAL4 info by e-mail. Click: http://www.ehfcl.com/final4/ticket-alarm/?l=en.

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