Trophy Tour success – now to Zagreb

Milan – a vibrant football city boasting a glittering European club competition history – proved to be an ideal venue to kick off the latest UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by UniCredit. Another eagerly awaited stage of the tour takes place at Lake Jarun, Zagreb (Croatia) on Friday and Saturday.

Resounding success
The Milan leg was a resounding success, with more than 24,000 visitors over the five days. A visitor entered the Trophy Tour village in the Italian city's Piazza Duomo every seven seconds, while 8,334 people registered on the special microsite for fast-lane access.

Superstar presence
The presence of superstars who have graced the Milanese football scene, such as Luís Figo, Franco Baresi and Daniele Massaro, gave added prestige to the event, with autograph sessions and photo opportunities thrilling the fans, who also had the opportunity to get close to the trophy that is coveted by the world's best players. A total of 9,413 personal photos were taken with the silverware over the five days.

European first
The Trophy Tour is in Europe for the first time. After the Milan leg, Zagreb, Bucharest (Romania), Budapest (Hungary) and Sofia (Bulgaria) play host to the tour until mid-October in UniCredit's debut, 2009/10 season. A truck will transport the UEFA Champions League trophy from country to country in a transparent state, stopping over in the centre of each of the five venues.

Photos and autographs
A UEFA Champions League exhibition will be set up in each city, including memorabilia, pictures and films. The aim is to give visitors an outstanding, once-in-a-lifetime football experience. Personalities such as former players will act as Trophy Tour ambassadors in every city, and fans will be able to have their photo taken with the trophy, get autographs from the ambassadors, and admire the videos and special memorabilia on display. City and local club representatives will also play a full role in the proceedings, and the media will be invited to press conferences and be afforded interview possibilities.

Zagreb – Lake Jarun
The tour now moves to Croatia, with Lake Jarun in Zagreb serving as the venue. A press conference will be held on Friday from 10.00CET. The Trophy Tour village will then open to the public from 11.00 until 18.00, and again on Saturday from 10.00 until 20.00. Entrance is free of charge for all visitors, with fast VIP entrance available through prior registration on unicredit.eu/champions.

Slaven Bilić – Trophy Tour ambassador
Croatia's national-team coach Slaven Bilić will be the ambassador of the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour Croatian leg, and will sign autographs for supporters on Friday and Saturday.

Sharing the excitement
The Trophy Tour through Europe allows fans the chance to share the excitement of the UEFA Champions League – a competition featuring many of the world's greatest clubs and players, all of whom cherish the dream of lifting the trophy. UniCredit will also have the opportunity to promote its own activities on this high-profile event platform.

Trophy Tour dates and venues
• Zagreb – Jarun Lake: 25-26 September
• Bucharest – Constitutiei Square: 3-4 October
• Budapest – Felvonulási Square: 10-11 October
• Sofia – Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square: 17-18 October