May 12 – For a few weeks this summer, Valencia CF’s Mestalla will look a little different from its usual matchday setup.
The Champions Burger festival is returning to the stadium from June 11-29, transforming the famous old ground into a large-scale food and entertainment venue as Valencia continue exploring ways to maximise the venue’s role beyond football ahead of the club’s planned move to Nou Mestalla in 2027.
More than 25 gourmet burger operators will take over the pitch in food truck format, with organisers expecting another strong turnout after last year’s edition attracted over 300,000 visitors.
This year’s event carries an American sports-inspired “The Big Game” theme, with lighting effects, tunnels, music and interactive experiences designed to create more of an immersive atmosphere around the festival itself.
As work continues on Nou Mestalla, the club has increasingly positioned its current stadium as a year-round entertainment asset rather than simply a football venue used every other weekend. Concerts, fan experiences and lifestyle events have become a growing part of that approach.
Clubs across Europe are looking for events capable of generating additional food and beverage revenue, sponsor exposure and digital engagement while attracting audiences outside traditional football crowds.
Visitors to the festival will also vote for their favourite burger based on presentation, originality and quality.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]