When is the Country Lax tournament taking place. Where is THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival for girls being held. What are the dates for the LAXconsin Summer Kickoff. Which city hosts the King of Queens lacrosse event. How long does the Pipe City Lacrosse Festival last.
Country Lax: Kickstarting the Summer Lacrosse Season
The lacrosse season is heating up, and Country Lax is leading the charge. This exciting tournament is set to take place on June 3-4, 2023, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. As one of the earliest events on the Lacrosse America calendar, Country Lax offers players a chance to showcase their skills and teams an opportunity to start their summer campaign on a high note.
Hendersonville, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant sports community, provides an ideal backdrop for this lacrosse extravaganza. The city’s commitment to youth sports and top-notch facilities ensures that participants and spectators alike will have an unforgettable experience.
What makes Country Lax unique?
- Early season timing allows teams to gauge their progress
- Southern hospitality meets competitive lacrosse
- Opportunity for national exposure in a growing lacrosse region
THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival: A Midwest Lacrosse Celebration
Following closely on the heels of Country Lax, THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival takes center stage with two separate events for girls and boys. The girls’ tournament kicks off the festivities on June 10-11, 2023, in Hilliard, Ohio, while the boys’ event follows a week later on June 17-18, 2023, in New Albany, Ohio.
These twin tournaments highlight Ohio’s growing prominence in the lacrosse world, offering a platform for Midwest talent to shine alongside visiting teams from across the country. The decision to split the events by gender allows for more focused competition and tailored experiences for all participants.
Why should teams participate in THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival?
- Separate girls’ and boys’ events ensure optimal scheduling and field usage
- Opportunity to compete against diverse teams from various regions
- Exposure to college recruiters and scouts
- Experience the passion for lacrosse in the heart of the Midwest
LAXconsin Summer Kickoff: Wisconsin’s Lacrosse Showcase
As the name suggests, LAXconsin Summer Kickoff brings the excitement of lacrosse to the Badger State. Scheduled for June 17-18, 2023, in Franksville, Wisconsin, this tournament offers a perfect blend of competitive play and summer fun.
Franksville’s location, nestled between Milwaukee and Chicago, makes it an accessible destination for teams from across the Midwest and beyond. The tournament’s timing aligns with the end of the school year, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the lacrosse experience without academic distractions.
What can teams expect at LAXconsin Summer Kickoff?
- High-level competition from surrounding states
- Well-maintained fields and facilities
- A festive atmosphere celebrating the start of summer
- Opportunities for team bonding and skill development
King of Queens: Royalty of Ohio Lacrosse
The aptly named King of Queens tournament reigns over the Cincinnati lacrosse scene on June 24-25, 2023. This event, held in the Queen City itself, promises to be a crowning achievement for participating teams.
Cincinnati’s rich sporting history and modern facilities provide an excellent backdrop for this lacrosse spectacle. The tournament’s name hints at its prestige, suggesting that winners here might indeed be considered lacrosse royalty, at least in Ohio.
Why is the King of Queens tournament a must-attend event?
- Prestigious reputation attracts top-tier talent
- Cincinnati’s central location makes it accessible for teams from multiple states
- Potential for high-level competition and intense matchups
- Opportunity to claim the title of lacrosse “royalty”
Pipe City Lacrosse Festival: A Midsummer Lacrosse Dream
As the summer hits its stride, the Pipe City Lacrosse Festival emerges as a highlight of the season. Set for July 7-9, 2023, in Vernon Hills, Illinois, this three-day event promises to be a lacrosse extravaganza like no other.
Vernon Hills, a suburb north of Chicago, offers state-of-the-art facilities and easy access for teams from across the Midwest and beyond. The extended format of the festival allows for more games, skill development sessions, and networking opportunities.
What sets Pipe City Lacrosse Festival apart?
- Three-day format provides a more immersive lacrosse experience
- Proximity to Chicago offers additional entertainment options
- Potential for larger team rosters and more playing time
- Opportunity for players to showcase skills over multiple days
The Impact of Lacrosse Tournaments on Player Development
Lacrosse tournaments play a crucial role in the development of young athletes. These events offer more than just competition; they provide valuable experiences that shape players both on and off the field. From honing skills under pressure to learning teamwork and sportsmanship, tournaments are a crucible for personal and athletic growth.
How do lacrosse tournaments benefit young players?
- Exposure to diverse playing styles and strategies
- Opportunity to compete against high-level opponents
- Development of mental toughness and resilience
- Creation of lasting memories and friendships
- Potential for college recruitment and exposure
Moreover, these tournaments often serve as a platform for players to catch the eye of college recruiters. The concentrated talent and competitive atmosphere provide an ideal setting for scouts to evaluate potential recruits, making tournament participation a vital part of many players’ journeys to collegiate lacrosse.
The Economic Impact of Lacrosse Tournaments on Host Cities
While the focus of these tournaments is undoubtedly on the sport itself, it’s worth noting the significant economic impact they have on their host cities. From Hendersonville to Vernon Hills, each of these locations stands to benefit from the influx of players, families, and fans.
How do lacrosse tournaments boost local economies?
- Increased hotel bookings and occupancy rates
- Higher foot traffic for local restaurants and businesses
- Demand for local services (transportation, entertainment, etc.)
- Potential for repeat visitors and positive word-of-mouth
The economic ripple effect of these tournaments extends beyond the immediate event dates. Positive experiences can lead to return visits, enhanced reputation for the host cities, and even potential relocation of families impressed by what they see during their tournament stay.
The Future of Lacrosse: Growing Beyond Traditional Strongholds
The geographical spread of these tournaments – from Tennessee to Wisconsin, Ohio to Illinois – speaks to the growing popularity of lacrosse beyond its traditional East Coast strongholds. This expansion is a testament to the sport’s increasing appeal and the hard work of grassroots organizations in developing lacrosse programs across the country.
What factors are contributing to lacrosse’s growth in new regions?
- Increased exposure through media and professional leagues
- Investment in youth programs and school teams
- Crossover appeal for athletes from other sports
- Growing recognition of lacrosse’s benefits for fitness and teamwork
As lacrosse continues to gain traction in these new territories, we can expect to see even more diverse representation in college programs and professional leagues. This growth not only enriches the sport but also provides more opportunities for young athletes to pursue their passion for lacrosse.
Preparing for Success: Tips for Teams Attending Lacrosse Tournaments
With the tournament season approaching, teams across the country are gearing up for intense competition. Success at these events requires more than just skill on the field; it demands careful preparation, strategic planning, and a positive team mindset.
How can teams maximize their tournament experience?
- Develop a comprehensive training plan leading up to the tournament
- Focus on team bonding activities to strengthen on-field chemistry
- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration strategies are in place
- Plan for adequate rest and recovery between games
- Set realistic goals for the tournament as a team
Coaches play a crucial role in preparing their teams for tournament success. Beyond tactical preparation, they must also manage expectations, maintain team morale, and ensure that players are physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead.
What should coaches prioritize when preparing for tournaments?
- Develop a rotation strategy to manage player fatigue
- Scout potential opponents and prepare game plans
- Ensure all logistical details are handled (travel, accommodation, equipment)
- Prepare for various game scenarios and potential rule variations
- Emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and representing the team well
By focusing on these aspects of tournament preparation, teams can ensure they’re ready to perform at their best when the whistle blows. Remember, success in these events is not solely measured by wins and losses, but also by the growth and experiences gained along the way.
Lacrosse America
Lacrosse America
-
Country Lax
June 3-4, 2023
Hendersonville, TN
-
THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival – GIRLS
June 10-11, 2023
Hilliard, OH
-
THE Ohio Lacrosse Festival – BOYS
June 17-18, 2023
New Albany, OH
-
LAXconsin Summer Kickoff
June 17-18, 2023
Franksville, WI
-
King of Queens
June 24-25, 2023
Cincinnati, OH
-
Pipe City Lacrosse Festival
July 7-9, 2023
Vernon Hills, IL
-
Madison Classic
July 22-23, 2023
Verona, WI
-
2023 Top Cheddar
October 14 & 15, 2023
Franksville, WI
-
2023 Top Draw – Fall Showcase
November 4-5, 2023
Schaumburg, IL
Upcoming Tournaments – Team 91 Long Island Boys
Penguin Invitational
Teams Attending:
2030 Cyclones
EVENT INFO
Spring Lax Jam
Teams Attending:
2028 Surge
2032 Cyclones
EVENT INFO
Blatant Spring Jam
Teams Attending:
2027 Fury
2028 Surge
2030 Cyclones
2031 Warriors
2032 Canes
2033 Navy
EVENT INFO
NLF Opening Weekend
Teams Attending:
2025 United
2026 Storm
2027 Machine
2028 Venom
2028 Surge
2029 Pride
2030 Cyclones
EVENT INFO
Summer Faceoff
Teams Attending:
2026 Rams
2029 Power
2030 Lions
2032 Canes
2033 Orange
EVENT INFO
Beach Lax Festival
Teams Attending:
2027 Fury
2029 Power
2030 Lions
EVENT INFO
Teams Attending:
2024 Menace
2025 Hornets
2025 United
EVENT INFO
Long Ireland
Teams Attending:
2032 Canes
EVENT INFO
NAL Summer Invitational
Teams Attending:
2027 Machine
2028 Venom
2029 Pride
2031 Titans
EVENT INFO
Platinum Cup
Teams Attending:
2027 Rage
EVENT INFO
Long Island Lax Fest
Teams Attending:
2024 Menace
2025 Hornets
2025 United
2026 Rams
2027 Rage
2027 Fury
2028 Surge
2029 Power
2030 Lions
2031 Titans
2031 Warriors
2033 Orange
2033 Navy
EVENT INFO
Tri-Star Lax Clash
Teams Attending:
2028 Venom
2029 Pride
2030 Cyclones
EVENT INFO
Millon National Showcase Championship
Teams Attending:
2027 Machine
EVENT INFO
Primetime HS Invitational
Teams Attending:
2025 Shock
2026 Storm
EVENT INFO
Crabfeast
Teams Attending:
2025 Shock
2027 Rage
EVENT INFO
Sweetlax Summer Challenge
Teams Attending:
2026 Storm
EVENT INFO
Westchester War Games
Teams Attending:
2026 Rams
EVENT INFO
Trilogy Radar Invitational
Teams Attending:
2025 Hornets
EVENT INFO
National Summer Showdown
Teams Attending:
2024 Menace
EVENT INFO
Saratoga Lacrosse Shootout
Teams Attending:
2027 Fury
2031 Warriors
EVENT INFO
91 Invitational
Teams Attending:
2026 Rams
EVENT INFO
Summer Lax Jam
Teams Attending:
2031 Warriors
2032 Canes
2033 Navy
EVENT INFO
The Gauntlet
Teams Attending:
2027 Machine
2028 Surge
2029 Power
2030 Cyclones
2030 Lions
EVENT INFO
NXT Cup
Teams Attending:
2027 Rage
2027 Fury
2029 Pride
2031 Titans
EVENT INFO
Top Lacrosse LI Showdown
Teams Attending:
2024 Wolfpack
2025 Shock
EVENT INFO
Top Lacrosse- Summer Breakout
Teams attending:
2029 Power
2030 Lions
2031 Titans
2033 Orange
EVENT INFO
NLF National Championship
Teams Attending:
2024 Wolfpack
2025 Shock
2025 Hornets
2025 United
2026 Storm
2027 Machine
2027 Rage
2028 Venom
2029 Pride
2030 Cyclones
EVENT INFO
Mid Summer Shootout
Teams Attending:
2031 Warriors
2033 Navy
EVENT INFO
Lake Placid Summitt
Teams Attending:
2024 Wolfpack
EVENT INFO
Dota 2 tournaments.
Schedule for 2023. Upcoming Dota 2 tournaments. Upcoming matches, DPS standings (DPC), calendar.
Current tournaments
- The Bali Major 2023
- EPL World Series: America Season 5
- European Pro League Season 10
- Bali Major 2023 – Group Stage
- DPC 2023 Tour 3
Upcoming tournaments
- Gamers8 IESF Asian Championship 2023
- 2022 AESF Road to Asian Games – West Asia 9Riya dh Masters 2023 – Group Stage
- Riyadh Masters 2023 – Play-In
- Riyadh Masters 2023
- IESF World Championship 2023
Past tournaments
- Riyadh Masters 2 023 MENA Qualifier
- IESF Europe B Qualifier 2023
- 1XPLORE Asia #1
- Riyadh Masters 2023 – Open Qualifier
- IESF Europe A Qualifier 2023
- NADCL Preseason
- BetBoom Streamers Battle 3
- DreamLeague Season 20
- DreamLeague Season 20 – Group Stage 1
900 05 IESF Southern Africa Qualifier 2023
Dota 2 is not just a PC MOBA game, but also a popular esports discipline.
Every year Dota 2 hosts a large number of tournaments, both amateur and professional, and the main event is The International tournament, which set a world record as the owner of the largest prize pool (more than 31 million dollars).
Tournaments in modern eSports are divided into many different types, each of which has a specific purpose and features.
Online tournaments
Dota 2 online tournaments feature is that teams do not need to come to a certain place, players can play via the Internet.
These tournaments usually have a small prize fund (no more than 50 thousand dollars). However, sometimes there are events, for example, as the 1st season of the professional Chinese League, the prize fund of which amounted to 200 thousand dollars.
From the point of view of the organizers, online tournaments, on the one hand, do not require expenses for renting premises and organization, on the other hand, they do not generate income from ticket sales. Qualifiers and small tournaments are undoubtedly more profitable to hold in an online format, and for large events they use the traditional LAN format.
LAN-tournaments
The prefix LAN means that the games are held over a local network, for this all participating teams must come to a certain place.
For major events, large stadiums, arenas, centers that can accommodate a lot of spectators are chosen. Players are usually in special “glass” rooms, and the game is broadcast on large screens so that all spectators can clearly see what is happening.
Almost all major events with a prize fund of more than $50,000 are held in the LAN format. Although LAN tournaments are broadcast online, so everyone can watch them, however, when you see your favorite team play live, you experience a completely different feeling.
Qualifiers
Dota 2 esports world is built according to a simple principle: weak teams are eliminated, strong ones go to tournaments. Qualifications are used to weed out the weak, but at the same time give an opportunity to show themselves to little-known teams.
First, all interested teams participate in open regional qualifiers. The number of participants can reach several hundred, and only a few of them will go further.
Closed qualifiers are the next stage. Both the teams that passed from the open qualifiers and the teams that received a direct invitation get there. Only after winning the closed qualifiers, the team gets to the main event.
Qualifiers are just a way to get into the tournament, so teams don’t get money for winning, they get a chance.
Minors and
m Majors
In 2017, Valve expressed a desire to cooperate with third-party tournaments, assigning them the statuses: minor and major. According to the company’s idea, the official support of tournaments should have led to an increase in the popularity and competitiveness of the discipline. The results are already visible, Dota 2 is one of the most popular and profitable games in eSports.
In order for a tournament to officially receive one of the statuses, it must be held in a LAN format, hold qualifiers in each region and have an appropriate prize pool.
Minors are Dota 2 tournaments with a prize fund of $150,000 (usually $300), their level is much lower than that of the Majors, but even winning the Minor is a great achievement. As a reward, not only cash is used, but also Dota Pro Circuit rating points required to get to The International, as well as invitations to major tournaments. For 3 years, about 20 official minors were held.
The Majors are the most prestigious tournaments, second only to The International. They have a high level of organization and gather a lot of spectators. Little-known teams very rarely get to major tournaments, usually the same teams clash there, having already proven their level of play. The average prize fund of such events is 1 million, sometimes it rises to 1.5 or even 3 million dollars.
In addition, compared to the Minors, the Majors give the winners not only more prize money, but also dozens of times more Pro Circuit rating points, which are vital for getting into The International.
To qualify for the Minor or Major, you must successfully complete the qualification or receive a direct invitation.
Dota 2 tournament format
Tournaments can use different formats depending on the number of teams, type and purpose.
Match types
There are basically three types of matches used in Dota 2 tournaments:
- bo1 . Teams play one game, which determines the result of the meeting.
- bo3 . Teams can play a maximum of three games, to win one of the teams must win 2 times.
- bo5 . Teams can play a maximum of five games and must win 3 times to win.
Due to an odd number of games, the teams are unable to draw.
Group stage
Despite the fact that only the strongest teams go to tournaments, their number still does not allow starting the confrontation from the grid (playoffs), and if you hold a tournament with only a few participating teams, then it will not arouse interest at the audience.
In the group stage, teams are divided into groups in which they play each other according to a certain system:
- Round-robin;
- GSL system;
- Swiss system.
Teams with the best results in the group stage advance to the playoffs. In the Minors, after the group stage, the best teams advance to the playoffs, while the worst teams are eliminated. In the majors, they fall into the upper and lower brackets.
Playoffs
Playoffs are the final part of the tournament where teams fight to advance to the next stage up to the final.
In relatively small tournaments, one bracket is used, that is, teams are eliminated after the first defeat.
Large tournaments use two brackets: upper and lower. If a team loses in the upper bracket, it moves to the lower bracket, and if it loses in the lower bracket, it leaves the tournament. Thus, if the team performed well in the group stage, it will get into the upper bracket and have an “extra life” in reserve, that is, it can lose, but not be eliminated from the tournament.
Essentially, the two-bracket format results in teams from the lower and upper brackets meeting in the final.
Series and organizers of Dota 2 tournaments
The International
This is the largest and most prestigious Dota 2 tournament organized annually by Valve.
The first The International had a prize fund of more than half a million dollars, for which 16 strongest teams from all over the world competed. The level of the tournament is growing every year, the last The International had a prize pool of 34 million dollars, thanks to which it set a world record as the tournament with the highest prize money.
Getting into The International is very difficult, and winning it is the dream of any team. There are two ways to enter the championship:
- Earn a lot of Pro Circuit points and get a direct invitation.
- Win a closed regional qualifier.
The championship is divided into several stages: regional qualifiers, group stage, main event (a more complex analogue of the playoffs).
Dota Pro Circuit Points
Valve introduced a rating system in which teams earn points for winning tournaments (about 5 thousand points for 1st place).
The top 12 teams in the ranking receive an invitation. On average, about 4,000 points are needed to qualify for The International, which is equivalent to one Major won.
The rating system encourages teams to give all their best in all tournaments in order to earn as many points as possible and get into the championship. In addition, in this way, those teams that are in decline or simply do not have a sufficient level of play are eliminated.
ESL
The Electronic Sports League is one of the largest esports leagues in the world, founded back in 1997 year. In 2013, ESL became the organizer of the EMS One tournament series.
After the end of EMS, the company began to organize a new series of ESL One, within which the prestigious major and minor level tournaments are still held. They are gaining more than a hundred simultaneous views of broadcasts, as well as more than 5 million views per twitch.
MDL
Mars Dota 2 League is a series of Dota tournaments that currently organizes some of the most prestigious events in the world of Dota.
The MDL tournaments are mainly held in mainland China and are hosted by Shanghai-based Mars Media.
The series is aimed at the Chinese audience, which brings in a significant part of the profits, but MDL is widely covered not only in China. Recently, Mars Media organized a major not in China, but in Paris, which made it possible to gain even more fame and show that Dota 2 esports is concentrated not only on the Chinese market.
Dream League
Another series of high-level tournaments (minors and majors). Organized by DreamHack since 2013.
Most often, tournaments of this series are held in Sweden, where the headquarters of the organizer is located. The quality of the organization of events is no worse than in other series.
WePlay
WePlay has been organizing Dota 2 tournaments since 2013. Their level is somewhat lower than that of such giants as ESL or DreamHack, but this is understandable, because the company is focused not only on holding tournaments, but also on infotainment activities. She owns weplay.tv, a website that covers top esports news, provides analytics, reviews and interviews.
DOTA Summit
This is a series of mid-level (minor) tournaments that started in 2014. Some tournaments are also included in the Pro Circuit series, and their prize pool is 100-300 thousand dollars.
The organizer of the series is the American company Beyond the Summit, founded in 2012 and positioning itself as one of the largest esports companies in the world.
Asia Pacific Predator League
This is a series of Dota 2 tournaments for professional teams from Southeast Asia. The organizer is Predator Gaming, and such giants as Intel, Microsoft and Xbox act as sponsors.
The tournaments in this series are of an average level and cannot be compared with other events described in the article. Despite the large sponsoring companies, the prize fund does not rise above 200 thousand dollars.
ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational
ONE Esports is a Singapore-based company founded in 2019 that has broken into the Dota esports world by hosting two major ONE Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational tournaments with $500,000 in prize pools. In addition, the company is now responsible for organizing the major tournament, which will be held in Singapore from January 20 to 28.
WESG
This is a series of tournaments organized by Alisports, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group. Each year, the series hosts a large number of small events in different regions of the world, which, in fact, are qualifications for getting into the main tournament of the year with a large prize pool. All events and news
- All CS:GO events and news
- News
- Tournaments
- Matches
- Predictions
- Teams
- Players
- Bets
- Articles
9 0005 Streams
- All events and Dota 2 news
- News
- Tournaments
- Matches
- Predictions
- Streams
- Teams
- Players
- Betting 90 006
- Articles
- All LoL events and news
- News
- Tournaments
- Matches
- Predictions
- Streams
- Teams
- Players
- Betting
- Articles
- All Valorant events and news
- News
- Tournaments
- Matches
- Predictions
- Streams
- Teams
- Players
- Betting
- Articles
90 015 9The 0000 Conference League never became an equal opportunity tournament. But it motivates with a trophy and a ticket to the Europa League
The English West Ham, which won the Conference League in the 2022/23 season, will receive about 20 million euros for their performance. For comparison: Man City’s campaign to win the Champions League brought the club almost 134 million /IMAGO / Alexandra Fechete
The third most powerful European Cup this season may be left without Spanish teams. This will happen if Osasuna does not have time to appeal against the UEFA suspension. We figure out how much the clubs will lose if they are left out of the Conference League, and how the UEFA plan to create a new tournament diverged from reality.
Without Spain?
Osasuna is accused of match-fixing, and for this she faces a European Cup ban. The team from Pamplona for the first time in a decade and a half got to the international tournament: last season the club finished seventh, which gives the right to participate in the Conference League. Meanwhile, the agreement case appeared long before the creation of the third most powerful competition under the auspices of UEFA. The investigation began after the 2014 match, when Osasuna bribed Real Betis to stay out of La Liga. Six years later, a Spanish court found guilty secretary Angel Vizcaya, president Miguel Taverna and sports director Jesús Peralta, who are still serving sentences.
UEFA did not forget about the verdict. According to the regulations, it means the removal of the club from European competition. All these years, Osasuna did not participate in them and now, even after winning a place in the Conference League, they most likely will not either. The UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee will make the final decision no earlier than July 1.
If the bosses of the Pamplona team are not satisfied, they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In this case, three scenarios are possible. The verdict must be delivered before August 7, and if CAS does not have time, then there will be no Spanish teams in the Conference League. Supporting UEFA’s decision by 7 August means Athletic will compete in the tournament. If the court before this date takes the side of Osasuna, the team will be allowed to take part in the tournament.
Lawyer is cheaper
Osasuna breaks into the Conference League through the courts not only because of their great love for justice. Last season, the prize fund of the tournament amounted to 235 million euros. This is noticeably less than in the Europa League (465 million) and the Champions League (2.32 billion). Prize money in the third most powerful tournament is quite solid for clubs from conditional Kosovo or Lithuania, but not so significant for a member of any team from the top 5 European championships. For example, Osasuna was paid 17.83 million euros for the seventh place in the Example.
However, to earn a few million in the Conference League, you don’t even have to go to the spring part of the competition. Qualifying for the group stage automatically guarantees €2. 94 million in prize money. For each victory in the group, they pay 500,000 euros, for a draw – 166,000. The club that takes the first line in the group will be enriched by another 650,000. Its closest pursuer will earn 300,000. The cost of a lawyer who will represent Osasuna in the Court of Arbitration for Sport , will be clearly lower.
Osasuna have earned a place in European competition, but will most likely be left without important playing experience again /Zuma / TASS
Football is not for everyone
explain why another tournament is needed at all. Then he emphasized that participation in it is a chance for teams from weaker championships. “The tournament will show that small countries can play with big ones, everyone can play with anyone,” the functionary noted. – Football is not a sport for the elite, not only for the rich. This is our sport and it will never be taken away from us.”
This thesis is only partly true. In the last draw at the group stage, there were enough teams that it is not difficult to imagine participating in the Europa League or even the Champions League. Vaduz from Liechtenstein, Kosovo Balkani, Latvian RFS and Lithuanian Zalgiris looked like outsiders. These teams did not make it to the playoffs, as expected. Representatives of leading football countries or at least traditionally strong clubs gathered in the spring part of the tournament. This is evidenced by the financial capabilities of the most successful participants. Only one team with a really inexpensive selection of players got into the quarterfinals – the Polish Lech. Transfermarkt has estimated the composition of the Poles at 35 million euros. Basel – 60 million, Anderlecht – 75 million, Gent – 85 million, Nice – 231 million. And West Ham, one of the richest participants (441 million), and ” Fiorentina (240 million)
In this regard, the possibilities of the same “Osasuna” (its current squad is estimated at 146 million euros) – a clear middle peasant in the championship of Spain, is obviously higher than that of the conditional Slavia Prague (50.5 million), which regularly wins in the Czech League and every year it makes its way to the main stage of European competition. The difference between the top 5 and all other European tournaments is too big.
Meanwhile, with the advent of the third European Cup, the Europa League has become more complex and even elite. The number of participants has been reduced from 48 to 32, and teams from most countries can only get there through the cup. Just for this reason, the same Slavia, having finished in 2022 in second place, made it only to the third most important European tournament. At the same time, she is forced to fight for the attention of the audience with the same clubs as before. Matches in both leagues are usually held on Thursdays, which means that after the reform, the number of meetings that start at the same time has become larger, which puts broadcasters and fans in a position to choose. And when you have to choose between the Slavia-CFR Cluj match and the LE match between Arsenal and PSV, it’s hard to stop at the Conference League. Before the reform, Slavia could well have crossed paths with the gunners, even if before that they had also become second in the championship.
Bigger stadium
Weak clubs rarely advance to the later stages of the Conference League, also because their rivals from the top 5 are actively trying to break into the Europa League – a ticket is issued along with the trophy. True, UEFA itself treats the new competition as if in the final we should expect a meeting of conditional Lech and Silkeborg, and not representatives of the English and Italian championships. This is the only way to explain why the decisive match of the tournament takes place in very small arenas.
Roma and Feyenoord played in the first draw, and this match was hosted by the capital of Albania. The Kombetare Arena in Tirana can accommodate only 20,000 spectators. Meanwhile, the opponents in the final are accustomed to playing in larger stadiums. Roma’s home stands are designed for 75,000 spectators, and De Cape in Rotterdam – for 51,000 spectators.
The arena, which hosted the 2022/23 Conference League final, can seat only 20,000 /Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
The same goes for the recent final. West Ham gathers up to 60,000 fans in London, and Fiorentina – 47,000, however, their meeting took place at the Prague Fortuna Arena, which seats all the same 20,000. Fans of these teams were allocated only 5,000 seats, the rest went to local residents .
“Visually, it’s better for UEFA to play in a 20,000 stadium than in a 50,000 stadium,” said former West Ham goalkeeper David James. “Otherwise, the fans will start to grumble: “What is the point of the tournament when they can’t even sell tickets for the final?”
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Paul Merson reminded that the finalists have a huge army of fans. He called the choice of venue for the decisive match an “absolute disgrace”.
Only at the end of June UEFA decided on the stadiums that will host the finals of the next competitions. In 2024, the match will take place at the Athens OPAP Arena. A year later, it will be held at the City Stadium in Wroclaw. Apparently, UEFA is correcting the mistakes and progressively increasing the size of the arena: the stands of the Greek sports complex can accommodate 30,000 people, and the Polish one – 45,000.