Large-scale Law Enforcement Gathering: 2,000 Cops in Munich for Major Event in Three Regions - Triple fan areas, 2,000 law enforcement personnel, climactic event in Munich scheduled
Champions League Final in Munich: Three Fan Zones, 2,000 Police Officers Deployed
Tens of thousands of football enthusiasts from France and Italy are anticipated to flock to Munich this weekend for the highly-anticipated Champions League final. A spokesperson from the city's sports department shared that, as of the current estimate, there will be a slight predominance of Italian fans, primarily due to Milan's convenient accessibility via train. The Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association forecasts around 90,000 overnight stays from out-of-town guests.
The city of Munich experienced a collective sorrow 13 years ago following FC Bayern Munich's disappointing loss against FC Chelsea from London in the "home final."
Three principal fan zones will be established in the city when Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain face off at the Allianz Arena in Fröttmaning on Saturday (9:00 PM CEST/ZDF/DAZN). The Olympiapark will accommodate up to 25,000 people at the "Champions Festival." Up to 18,000 people can celebrate or mourn at the "PSG Fan Meeting Point" on Königsplatz, and up to 16,500 people can be accommodated at the "Inter Fanzone" on Odeonsplatz. Both areas will be opened from 11:00 AM.
Around 2,000 police officers will be deployed to safeguard the game and related events. The Munich Police Presidency will receive support from officers throughout Bavaria. While no recent concrete threat assessments have been made, authorities recognize the evolving global political situation, including the Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict, could pose a high, abstract threat to the international sporting event.
The city expects an additional approximately 46.2 million euros in revenues from tourism-related expenditures during the final. The week leading up to the big game will feature various events in the Bavarian capital, including a legends tournament at the SAP Garden in the Olympiapark with the participation of former stars such as Franck Ribéry, Lothar Matthäus, and Luis Figo.
With exceptionally high willingness to attend and pay among football fans this year, most guests are planning one to two overnight stays, with some inns already fully booked. Price sensitivity is reportedly very low, which might be attributable to the extreme scarcity of tickets and their high prices, making it unlikely for attendees to be dissuaded by hotel room costs.
Financial aid might be needed for accommodating the influx of football fans, considering the estimated 90,000 overnight stays from out-of-town guests. Community aid could also be beneficial in managing the crowds at the three fan zones, where up to 25,000 people will gather at the "Champions Festival" alone.
