Why PSG vs Arsenal Champions League final is a 5pm kick-off | OneFootball

New kick-off time for Champions League finals comes into effect this weekend as Arsenal face PSG

Much has changed since the Gunners’ last appearance in a Champions League final.

Most notably the day on which the final is staged. 20 years ago in Paris, Arsenal were beaten by Barcelona on a Wednesday evening, but since the 2009-10 season it has been the tradition for the Champions League final to be held on a Saturday night.

That decision was taken to make the showpiece “more of a family occasion” and a new kick-off time which comes into effect for PSG vs Arsenal is to improve fan experience.

The decision to switch from a 8pm BST kick-off is to "enhance the matchday experience and benefit fans, teams and host cities".

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: "With this change, we are placing the fans' experience at the heart of our planning.

"The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved.

"While a 21:00CET kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish - regardless of extra time or penalties - and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season."

Budapest hosts this season’s Champions League final

Meanwhile, a statement from UEFA reads: "Our goal is to make matchday a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season.

"For travelling supporters, it will mean improved access to public transport – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium.

“For the host cities, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations.

"The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even broader television and digital audience worldwide, with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers."

In the UK, PSG vs Arsenal will be shown live on TNT Sports. However, for the first time in the competition’s 34-year history, the final will not be available without paying in the UK.