Unique stage for medal ceremony
by Mark Chaplin from Vienna

The presentation of the medals and the Henri Delaunay trophy at Sunday's UEFA EURO 2008™ final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna will take place in the VIP tribune – in line with the tradition UEFA has reinstated in the past year.

Unique stage
The unusual proximity of the heart of the VIP section to the pitch allows for an original and unique set-up: a stage reaching out from the tribune. Painted in the Swiss and Austrian national colours of red and white, it will be reminiscent of a viewing platform in the mountains and can be accessed from both sides via a double staircase. The designers were inspired by the Strudlhofstiege, an outdoor double staircase in the Vienna suburb of Alsergrund, built to a design by Johann Theodor Jaeger.

Sensational pyrotechnics
The trophy will sit in a jewellery-like box that can be raised and lowered like a lift in the centre of the upper part of the stage – at all times through the match visible to fans, TV viewers, journalists and players from all directions. The whole ceremony will be accompanied by light effects and music. The climax of the event, when UEFA President Michel Platini hands over the trophy to the captain of the winning team, will be crowned by sensational pyrotechnic effects.

Concept
The overall concept was put together by Uniplan Switzerland AG after being commissioned by UEFA. The Basel-based live communication agency turned to Carlo Angelini from Angelini Design. He is a well-known Italian television set and production designer based in Zurich, who has already produced a number of stage designs in the sporting field, including the setting for five UEFA Champions League draw ceremonies in Monaco, and the set of the draw for UEFA EURO 2008™ Lucerne last December.