More than 15,000 fans showed up for the Champions League Finals
Krakow, Poland, April 18, 2016 – Krakow has just celebrated one big party – the CEV Denizbank Volleyball Champions League and now it’s gearing up for another: the Finals of the FIVB Volleyball World League 2016.
Sunday saw Russia’s Zenit Kazan claim a record fourth title as they squeezed past Trentino Diatec of Italy 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-17, 27-25, 15-13) in the final of the Champions League, Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
The bronze-medal match was just as spectacular as Italy’s Cucine Lube Civitanova edged hosts Asseco Resovia Rzeszow 3-2 (25-20, 25-27, 22-25, 25-22, 15-10) at the awe-inspiring Tauron Arena in Krakow.
The local organisers had promised a truly memorable volleyball party and they didn’t disappoint. More than 15,000 fans packed the Tauron Arena to see the final two matches of the competition.
Krakow officials will be looking for more fireworks and voluminous crowds when the World League Finals take place in the same venue from July 13 to 17.
Many of the players on show at the weekend are likely to return to Krakow in the summer with Group 1 stuffed with the best teams in volleyball, including Russia, Italy, Brazil, USA, Iran, Serbia, France and Poland.
Poland will be looking to repeat their FIVB Volleyball World Championship 2014 success on home soil when they beat the all-conquering Brazilians in Katowice. That tournament pulled in well over half a million fans.
The Tauron Arena was one of the host venues during that great spectacle when it hosted Group D in the first round which featured Belgium, France, Iran, Italy, Puerto Rico and USA.
Poland is proving itself as one of the top tournament hosts in volleyball and the World League Finals in this Olympic year is likely to be one of the best ever.
Quick links
• FIVB Volleyball World League 2016