Contents - Cologne Convention Bureau

Cologne is renowned for big sporting events. Every autumn, ten thousands of runners from all over
the world compete in the Cologne marathon. In summer 2010, the eighth Gay Games also took
place in Cologne. They will now be organised in different international cities every four years. With
up to 10,000 competitors from 70 nations, and the week-long spectacle organised, the whole
of Cologne showed its acceptance of homosexuality. Cologne’s LANXESS arena was not only the
venue of the World Ice Hockey Championships in 2010, but also sets benchmarks with big events
like AIDA Night Of The Proms or the legendary concert by Paul McCartney. This 76 m tall multipurpose
arena holds up to 20,000 people for performances by top-bands, international orchestras
and entertainers. At the city’s football stadium, the RheinEnergieStadion, which offers space for
up to 50,000 spectators, the German women’s football team will once again be competing to win
the German FA cup. The constantly sold-out home games of “1. FC Köln” regularly work the fans
into a frenzy. Open-air concerts, American football and other major events are regularly held at
RheinEnergie Stadion. Good tram connections and sufficient parking spaces play an important role.
Events, conferences and even weddings can be held at the stadium.
Around 119 million people spend at least one day in Cologne each year. Of these, over 2.6 million
attend trade fairs, and 2.8 million spend the night. They have around 275 hotels with over 29,073
beds to choose from. How about a superior suite in a top international hotel? Houses of tradition
next door to Cologne Cathedral? Or how about a hip designer hotel? Cologne has everything one’s
heart desires when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. In addition there is a wide range of
ideally tailored rooms for conferences, workshops or for friendly business meetings. Spa facilities,
shopping, theatre and excellent restaurants or trendy bars ensure a relaxing end to the working day.
Cologne and its region are a paradise for foodies. In several internationally recognised restaurants,
top chefs prepare menus for true gourmets. Here you’ll find almost all cuisines of the world; from
A for Argentina to Z for Zimbabwe. You’ll also find tapas, sushi and American bars. But no visit to
Cologne would be incomplete without a drink in one of the rustic Cologne breweries. Visitors love
the friendly atmosphere enjoyed over a “Kölsch”, the unique, top-fermented beer brewed here.
23 www.conventioncologne.de