"100 days" sounds like a long time, but there is still plenty to do

Like in previous years, the "100 days to go" milestone opens the final phase of the event preparations. While there are still 16 teams competing for the qualification to the VELUX EHF FINAL4, the strategies for the event itself are almost complete and detailed implementations begin right now.

There are currently only a couple of people working for the event itself. But as we approach the event weekend in beginning of June, more and more people will take over important aspects of the organisation.

In total there will be 80 to 100 staff members in Cologne who will be the inner circle of the organisation team working alongside volunteers, external suppliers and agencies.

In order to help those staff work efficiently during the days in Cologne, the building of a fitting infrastructure with office rooms, mobile phones, notebooks and printers is necessary.

VIP guests as well as the staff need flights to Cologne, transfers, hotel rooms and catering. As one can imagine, organising all of these tasks is time-demanding.

As soon as the basics are done, one of the highlights in preparing the VELUX EHF FINAL4 is the implementation of the whole entertainment programme. Developing an entertaining fan TV programme with presenters and music, finding the right positions for the presentation and activation of our sponsors or partners, and excite the fans in LANXESS arena needs extensive brainstorming and putting the ideas in a suitable context.

While guests, fans and spectators can once again expect impressive opening shows before the matches and during the winner´s ceremony, the setup of these shows is, due to time and logistic reasons, very challenging and needs detailed planning.

Only 40 hours before throw-off for the first semi-final match, LANXESS arena hosts a big show with more than 15,000 spectators from famous German comedian Mario Barth, who will be filming for his new DVD during the show.

Last but not least, the teams will feel the premium atmosphere after qualifying for the VELUX EHF FINAL4.

This begins with their own branded bus when arriving in Cologne or Düsseldorf airport, includes the extensive marketing of their players throughout the city of Cologne and ends with arranging a buffet suited for the needs of elite athletes and some king-size beds for the tallest of them.

"100 days to go" sounds like a long time, but looking at the tasks ahead, there is still plenty to do.

However, once infected by the VELUX EHF FINAL4 bug, you will not be able to wait for the event to begin.