Tackling COVID-19 

COVID-19 has substantially disrupted all stadium-related business. This has had a huge impact on all our members. However, as ESSMA is a member association, we aim to keep you informed on stadium-related business, with a dedicated focus on how clubs and stadiums are handling the current challenges and the impact on the future matchday operations.

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  • Part 1 of the report focusses on how European venues were affected by COVID-19 in the earliest stages of the pandemic. Furthermore, we discuss the multifunctionality of venues in the fight against the virus, their creativeness in finding alternative uses and the protocols developed to organise matches behind closed doors.
  • Part 2 of the report focusses on how to prepare venues for the 'new normal'. We developed a 12-step plan on how venues can adapt their facilities in order to safely host (a limited amount of) fans. The report is supplemented with best practices from our members and solutions from our industry suppliers.

ESSMA COVID-19 report part 1 and 2 

Based on input from 36 European clubs and 8 leagues and FA's, ESSMA has assembled two reports on the impact of COVID-19 on the matchday operations.

Consult both reports on the ESSMA Knowledge Platform

Webinars linked to COVID-19

Tackling COVID-19 at Juventus

Francesco Gianello, Head of Allianz Stadium & Facilities, shared some personal experiences from the first row, regarding the road to lockdown, handling facilities during lockdown, and the strategy toward reopening.

Re-watch the webinar

Matches behind closed doors - experiences from Borussia Mönchengladbach

The main challenge for restarting operations in the stadium is the installment of all hygienic measures and requirements. Once that was covered and a hygienic officer was appointed, Borussia Mönchengladbach felt they faced the most difficult hurdle. Learn more from Matthias Neumann, Head of Security at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

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Matches behind closed doors - experiences from Borussia Mönchengladbach

The main challenge for restarting operations in the stadium is the installment of all hygienic measures and requirements. Once that was covered and a hygienic officer was appointed, Borussia Mönchengladbach felt they faced the most difficult hurdle. Learn more from Matthias Neumann, Head of Security at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

More insights

Ekstraklasa's restart and impact of crowd management

On June 19th, fans could finally be welcomed again at the stadium. Government regulations made it possible for 25% of fans to attend the matches. This attendance comes with many obligations, such as a mouth mask, a social distance of 2m, and food and drinks can only be purchased with an in-seat delivery included. Discover the takeaways.

Access the webinar

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SGSA social distancing guidelines

SGSA officially launched its final version of its guidance SG02: Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds. To support the guidance, watch the explanatory videos, led by Ken Scott, which discuss the contents of SG02.

Download the report

Creative solutions for sponsorships impacted by COVID-19

05Jun2020

Creative solutions for sponsorships impacted by COVID-19

All stadiums are confronted with the question how to offer added-value to the sponsors? Evidently, there is a severe impact for sponsors on their stadium visibility as there are currently no matches with public and a limited number of matches behind closed doors which are broadcasted on national TV. As a European stadium association, we saw different creative ideas arise from several stadiums, driven by other insights but nevertheless, all adding branding opportunities for their sponsors. All stadiums were confronted with the question how to offer value in this time period?

ESSMAFan Experience & HospitalityMember news

How did the Hungarian clubs prepare for the competition’s restart?

Since 23 May NB1 matches behind closed doors were allowed again. As a next phase, a limited amount of fans were allowed back into the stadium soon after. While for the last three competition rounds, a full capacity was allowed. ESSMA interviewed Máté Bálint - International Project Manager at Ferencvárosi TC - and László Erik Horváth - Infrastructure Expert at MLSZ - regarding the Hungarian restart.

Full interview

How are PSV, VfL Wolfsburg and Royal Antwerp FC responding to the COVID-19 crisis and how has it impacted their daily operations?

Joeri Verbossen (PSV), Sven Froberg (VfL Wolfsburg) and Dimitri Huygen (Royal Antwerp FC) shared their experiences and learnings on which impact COVID-19 is having on the daily operations at their respective clubs.

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How ESSMA Stadium and Corporate Partners approach the current challenge

All around the world, COVID-19 impacts stadiums and the surrounding business. Many of them adapt their products and services to be of assistance during the current pandemic. We’re happy to see the ESSMA partner network is developing several ways to contribute. Below you can read more on several initiatives from ESSMA Stadium and Corporate Partners.

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Clubs in times of COVID-19: community support and adapted online strategies set the tone

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, European clubs and stadiums have been adapting an agile approach to support their community, to create awareness and to maintain a close relationship with their fans.

Learn more about the initiatives

Industry update: more on development, fan experience and COVID-19 initiatives

Read more on the #MonmaillotFCR campaign of FC Rouen, an interview with ESSMA Board Member John Barrow and several COVID-19 initiatives in ESSMA’s industry update.

More industry update

ESSMA NEWS

Read all articles linked to COVID-19.

All ESSMA news

Interview with PSV, VfL Wolfsburg and Royal Antwerp FC: