One of the biggest work challenges and at the same time a huge honour for our agency. This is how we could characterize the opening of the most modern sports stand in Slovakia, the National Football Stadium. However, for fans of sky-blue colours, it is of course Tehelné pole with an extremely rich history. ŠK Slovan is our heart and as citizens of Bratislava, we felt great pride during the preparation of this event, that we could be a direct part of this unique and historic moment, but at the same time we were aware that it was a work challenge that would occur very sporadically. In the case of opening the largest sports stand, probably once in a lifetime 🙂
The actual moving of the club to the most modern stadium around was accompanied by great expectations of the fans (sold out two weeks in advance), the club and the public. Our agency team oversaw the complete program on the playing field, accompanying activities in front of the stadium, support of the so-called Cashless system, but also competitions or programs at the stadium. In numbers, this meant, for example, 324 hostesses, technicians, coordinators and suppliers. Or coordinating more than 300 youth soccer players for pre-match choreography. Alternatively, a detailed minute-by-minute scenario for 135 pre-match minutes.
Right on the playing field, basically everything was under our control – that is, except for the football match. The main part consisted of a light and laser show with sparklers, laser rendering, burning and colour effects. An inseparable part was accompanying competitions, coordination of musical performances and, of course, the ceremonial act of opening the stadium. Considering the importance and time accuracy to the minute or second, it was one of the most complex tasks that we have solved so far.
In addition to the program on the main stage, the spectators could also experience other activities that were run under our leadership – sale of commemorative coins, preparation and choreography of large balloons, merch shooting, facepainting for fans, pre-match brass band and various photo booths or photo points.
In addition to all these activities, we also helped with the support of the so-called Cashless system. Cashless system. Following the example of developed Western countries, where they do not use cash in stadiums to significantly save time, it is only possible to pay with a special Cashless card or temporarily with a credit check. Since more than 22,000 visitors came to the stadium, we provided several dozen hostesses who helped with the sale and charging of these Cashless cards.
The significance of the event, the number of visitors, the number of activities and collaborators and, finally, our connection with the club – the combination of all these factors meant for us probably the biggest event we have ever implemented. There are certainly areas in which we would be even better and more experienced the second time, but we have to say immodestly that we have mastered this huge challenge. However, it is not just a face of our participation, but the also the face of the teamwork of a great client, colleagues and everyone who contributed even a little bit to a successful event. Thank you and we look forward to the opening of the new Tehelné pole in 2089 🙂