Munich is preparing to host the UEFA Champions League 2025 final at the Allianz Arena this Saturday, May 31.The event is anticipated to provide a ample economic boost to the Bavarian capital, especially for hospitality and local businesses.

According to the Mastercard Economic Institute, major sporting events like the Champions League directly influence foreign spending and commercial activity in host cities. The 2024 final in London saw visitor expenditure from Spain and Germany increase 67 times compared to a typical weekend. specifically, spending by Spaniards grew by 148%, and Germans by 61% compared to the previous year.

Restaurants and bars within a 3-kilometer radius of the stadium experienced a 7.4% increase in spending compared to what would have been expected without the match. Similarly, the 2024 Eurocup final in Berlin saw a 130% increase in spending at bars and restaurants within 3 kilometers of the stadium, driven by foreign expenditure that was 21.7 times higher than usual.

The UEFA Champions League final of 2023 in Istanbul contributed 106 million euros to the local economy, with tourist spending around the final increasing by 46% compared to the previous year.

A recent MasterCard survey of 15,000 people from 20 countries revealed that 70% of Europeans plan to engage in an experience of their “wishes” in 2025. sporting events are a priority, with 58% planning to attend one this year, a 152% increase compared to 2024. Additionally, 40% of respondents will allocate between 101 and 1,000 euros to these experiences.

Munich has solidified its position as a host city for major events. Concerts by artists like Adele and Taylor swift led to accommodation increases of 57% and 43%,respectively,according to the Mastercard Spendingpulse index. During the 2024 Eurocup, cities like Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Colonia, and Stuttgart also recorded triple-digit increases in restaurant spending, highlighting the broader economic impact of these events.

Mastercard is launching the MasterCard Fan Zone this year, offering fans digital and in-person experiences. In collaboration with Deutsche Bahn, the ‘Fan Ice’ trip has been organized, a special train to Munich with influencers Sidney Friede and Niklas Wilson Sommer, who will share the journey with fans and give away tickets for the final.The reception at the Munich Central station will feature a red carpet and official welcome, which can be followed on social networks under the hashtags #MasterCardde, #MasterCardfanzone and #priceless.

According to Natalia Lehmanova, chief economist for Europe of the Economic Institute of Mastercard, «sporting events such as the Champions League not only generate emotion, but also boost local economies and strengthen the commercial fabric of host cities. The rise of live experiences is marking a new era in European consumption ».