Watch out Budapest, 10000 ticketless fans are arriving

This year’s Champions League final is being held in Budapest, at their 67,155-capacity Puskas Arena. This will be the biggest police operation in Hungary as fans of both teams will fill in the streets of Budapest. The police have experience with these events as Budapest was the host of 2020 UEFA Super Cup and the 2023 UEFA Europa League final, but this one is much more important event. Both clubs have been allocated 17,000 tickets, but still, police estimates that at least 10000 fans will be present in the Hungary capital.

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Some of them will arrive in order to obtain the tickets (somehow), others will come just to feel the atmosphere and watch the game in nearby pubs with other fans. A fan zone complete with big screens will show the game for those who have been unable to buy a ticket. In any case, police will be ready. Regular officers will be joined by motorcycle patrols, dog units, mounted police and drone operators - and fans have been warned to behave themselves. Police had been analysing the behaviour of both fanbases over the past three weeks, along with UEFA security experts.

“It’s no secret that having fans from London and Paris in Budapest at the same time poses a significant risk, but it is our job to minimize that risk. In addition, we have reinforced our call centres, and staff who speak French and English are available. It is important that on match day, anyone who can should opt for public transportation in the capital” said Major General Dr. Janos Zoltan Kuczik, commander of operations.

The kick-off time has been moved from usual 22h (Nairobi time) to 19h and there are reasons for that.

"While a 21h CET kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish - regardless of extra time or penalties - and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season" said UEFA president Alexander Ceferin. Earlier kickoff will mean improved access to public transport for the fans – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium, and for the host city, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations after the game.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

19:00 (2.50) PSG (3.20) Arsenal (3.25)