Final: Vikings face away game atmosphere again

The stage is set for the 2025 European League of Football Championship Game: On September 7th, Stuttgart Surge will face the Vienna Vikings at 3:00 p.m. CEST in Stuttgart’s MHP Arena.

For the Vikings, it marks their third final since joining the league in 2022. After winning the title in their debut season and falling short in 2024, the Austrian team now has the chance to reclaim the trophy and close out an impressive 11–1 season.

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Vikings face away disadvantage once again

They will, however, face a true road game. A packed home crowd is expected to give Surge, led by Head Coach Jordan Neuman, a clear advantage. For the Vikings and their Head Coach Chris Calaycay, this scenario is nothing new. Last year’s final was played in the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen – effectively an away game, as the venue is located close to Düsseldorf, Rhein Fire’s home base, and Duisburg, where the franchise plays its home games. Unsurprisingly, the stands were dominated by opposing fans. Interestingly, the Vikings’ only ELF title so far came in 2022 in Klagenfurt, Austria – on home turf.

Still, Calaycay remains confident: "Yes, there will be many Stuttgart fans there, but we believe we have fans all over Europe too and a lot of people will also be cheering for us on Sunday". The experienced coach adds: "Vikings Fans will travel all the way to the championship game. We are familiar to these circumstances. It is a huge stage in Germany, a lot of attention, a lot of noise, a halftime longer than usual, etc. But at the end of the day: in between these white lines on the field, football will be played and that's what we focus on."

It remains to be seen whether the Vikings will be held back by their opponents' home advantage. Perhaps the situation will give them extra motivation and they will become party crashers.

Championship Game: A weekend full of football

Fans can expect a packed football weekend. Saturday’s program includes the Family Experience Day with activities for all ages, while Sunday begins with the Power Party ahead of the Championship Game. For the first time, the ELF will present a halftime show, featuring a short performance by the hip-hop group “Die Fantastischen Vier” in the Cannstatter Kurve. Ticket demand remains strong, with more than 30,000 already sold.

Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game