Before the official start of the pre-season on April 20: The European League of Football celebrated a great start to the coming season with the kick-off press conference last Friday and the subsequent FIBO Football Festival at the Cologne exhibition center. Almost 130,000 participants travelled to Cologne to visit FIBO and its exhibitors.

Successful start to the 2024 pre-season

Patrick Esume, Commissioner of ELF, expressed his satisfaction with the festival's premiere: "We are thrilled with the success of the first FIBO Football Festival, an event, that could not be done without the significant rise of American Football's popularity in Europe. The festival, in collaboration with FIBO, melded fitness and football, drawing in a passionate group of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It was a celebration of the sport's expanding community and its integration into the fitness world. We're grateful for the partnership with FIBO, which has been a milestone for us, setting the stage for future endeavors. This event has only intensified our commitment to grow the sport further, planning for more football, fitness, and fun at the next FIBO Football Festival."

Jordan Bouah of the Vikings working on wide receiver skills with visitors. © Löwer

The festival promised a game-day atmosphere, exciting live podcasts and experiences for the whole family as well as various challenges for young and old.

Christoph "Icke" Dommisch with Zeljko Karajica and Patrick Esume at the kick-off press conference. © Löwer

A vision for health, fitness and football

"Our vision towards the first FIBO Football Festival has been very clear: We're not merely hosting an event; we're crafting an experience that encapsulates the essence of American Football while also creating an unforgettable experience for football fans and fitness enthusiasts. Football and fitness is not just a meeting of interests but a fusion of communities with shared values towards health and perseverance." explains Simon Bens, Head of Content & Marketing RX Deutschland GmbH and is joined by Silke Frank, Event Manager FIBO, RX Deutschland GmbH: "Thanks to our strategic partnership with the European League of Football, we've been able to create an environment that showcases the athletic prowess of our participants and embodies the spirit of community and collaboration."

Rhein Fire cheerleaders taking it to the next level. © Frederik Löwer

17 teams from nine nations will compete at the start of the season on May 25: Berlin Thunder, Hamburg Sea Devils, Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, Cologne Centurions, Stuttgart Surge, Munich Ravens (all from Germany), Paris Musketeers (France), Milano Seamen (Italy), Raiders Tirol, Vienna Vikings (both Austria), Panthers Wrocław (Poland), Madrid Bravos, Barcelona Dragons (both Spain), Prague Lions (Czech Republic), Helvetic Mercenaries (Switzerland) and Fehérvár Enthroners (Hungary). The Championship Game will be played in Gelsenkirchen on September 22.