Industry update: more on eSports, development and EURO 2024

Read more on the stadium expansion project of Royal Antwerp FC, eSports at DFL and the Pro League, host stadiums for the UEFA EURO 2024 and more in this weekly industry update provided by ESSMA.

Construction & Development

• Royal Antwerp FC revealed the expansion of their Bosuilstadium. The total capacity of the stadium will increase to 23.000. All stands of the stadium will become connected, ‘closing’ the stadium bowl. One of the stands, T4, will become a family-focused stand with facilities for the youth academy. In addition, the club will implement a new training site at the complex. The project should be finished by 2019.
• Germany has won the bid to host the UEFA EURO 2024. Learn more about the 10 host stadiums including the Allianz Arena, Signal Iduna Park and Commerzbank Arena.

“We are delighted that the German football family will host EURO 2024. The clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, as well as the DFL, have supported this successful bid. With their excellent stadium infrastructure, the ten venues will provide a fantastic stage for the tournament.”

Christian Seifert, CEO DFL

• The 2020 European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals will be hosted by the Orange Vélodrome, which has a 67,000 capacity.

eSports

• All Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs will be able to compete against each other as the DFL has announced the launch of the German Club Champion in eFootball competition.
• The Belgian Pro League with its partner Proximus will organise the Proximus ePro League, giving fans the opportunity to represent their favorite club in EA SPORTS FIFA 19.

SMART & Sustainability

• The 3MW energy storage system with used Nissan LEAF batteries of the Johan Cruijf Arena has won the TS.com Eco Award. The energy storage system provides back-up power, reducing the use of diesel generators, and provide relief to the energy grid by flattening the peaks that occur during concerts at the stadium.