UEFA decided to bring forward the time of the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain by 3 hours. The game will be played this Saturday at 1pm (Brasília time), instead of the traditional 4pm time in previous editions. The decision will take place on Arena Puskás, on Budapeste, on Hungria.
Motivos of time advance
The European football confederation justified the change as a way of optimizing the event’s logistics and operations. The main goal is to enhance the overall game day experience for fans, teams and the host city. UEFA sought to make it easier for families and children to attend the match by holding the event earlier.
Aleksander Čeferin, president of UEFA stated that the new decision puts the fan experience at the center of planning. Segundo the manager, the new schedule would make the final even more accessible and impactful for everyone involved.
Benefícios for logistics and transportation
The time change promises to improve access to public transport for visitors. Arena Puskás is approximately 2 km from the historic center of Budapeste. The city council has implemented additional transport services to complement the existing network.
Torcedores with a ticket will be able to board certain subway lines for free on game day and use the express bus service from the airport to the city center. Não there will be public parking at the stadium.
- Melhor access to public transport
- Serviços additional express buses
- Embarque free on specific metro lines
- One-day Viagens more viable for fans
Ronan Evain, director of Associação of Torcedores of Europa (FSE), supported the measure. Conforme the manager, an earlier start reduces the stress of travel and allows fans to enjoy the event without worrying about overnight logistics.
Impacto economic and audience
Deixar the stadium earlier means more time for fans to remain on the streets of Budapeste, injecting more money into the local economy. The PSG and Arsenal delegations will gain greater flexibility in their travel plans, being able to return home in the evening of the same day.
The anticipation also increases the game’s broadcast “window”, increasing audience ratings and digital reach according to UEFA. The match will be broadcast to more than 200 countries. The consultancy Football Benchmark highlighted that the central location of Budapeste at Europa facilitates accessibility from the entire continent to the event.
Stadium Estrutura and values
Arena Puskás, opened in 2019, has a capacity for 67 thousand people, but will receive 61,400 fans in the final. Construction cost 533 million euros. Meeting points for Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal fans will be within walking distance of the arena, as reported by FSE.
The cheapest ticket will cost 70 euros, approximately R$409.7 at current prices. UEFA maintained this value even with the holding of a final that concentrates several logistical, broadcasting and economic interests in the Hungarian capital.