Chelsea-KAA Gent: Beyond the Game, Beyond Expectations

For KAA Gent’s crucial clash against Chelsea on matchday 1 of the Conference League, way2events organized a comprehensive sports travel package that went beyond the game, offering a full immersion into the football and cultural landscape of London. Catering to 10 different stakeholder groups (including VIPs, sponsors, management and players) the trip featured 2 charter flights, 3 trains, 5 hotels, and 40 transfers for 200 participants. With 4 customized non-sport programs running simultaneously and 8 dedicated staff members on the ground, way2events ensured a seamless, high-level experience for all.

Precision Planning for KAA Gent’s Team

The cornerstone of this sports travel package was the optimal preparation of KAA Gent’s players and staff. Way2events ensured that the team stayed in premium accommodations, providing a perfect environment for rest and recovery. Proximity to high-quality training facilities was a key priority, enabling the team to maintain their usual training routine without any logistical barriers. These venues were selected not just for their convenience but also for their top-tier equipment, ensuring that KAA Gent’s physical preparation remained at the highest level.

To streamline the team’s schedule, way2events organized dedicated transport between the hotel, training grounds, and Stamford Bridge. This ensured that the players could travel quickly and comfortably, minimizing downtime and allowing them to focus entirely on their game strategy.

Cultural Experiences for Sponsors and VIPs

While the team remained laser-focused on football, VIPs and sponsors enjoyed carefully crafted experiences around London. Activities like a rib boat ride on the Thames, tours of landmarks such as the Battersea Power Station, and visits to the London Eye provided a dynamic contrast to the sporting intensity. These leisure moments allowed VIPs and sponsors to fully immerse themselves in London’s vibrant culture, enriching the overall sports travel experience.

Matchday Focus: Preparing for the Big Stage

As matchday against Chelsea drew closer, way2events ensured every aspect of KAA Gent’s preparation was executed with precision. The day began with a carefully planned pre-match meal tailored by the team’s nutritionists, featuring a balance of high-energy foods and light, easily digestible options. This meal was served in a private dining area at the team’s hotel, designed to give the players the calm and focus they needed to prepare mentally for the game ahead.

Transportation to Stamford Bridge was executed with military-like precision. A fleet of comfortable, private buses was scheduled to pick up the team and staff directly from the hotel, timed perfectly to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. The route was planned to avoid traffic, ensuring the players arrived at the stadium with plenty of time for pre-match warm-ups and final preparations.

Upon arrival at Stamford Bridge, way2events coordinated with stadium staff to guarantee that KAA Gent’s players had quick and efficient access to their designated locker rooms and warm-up areas. The team entered the stadium fully focused, with no logistical hiccups to distract them from the crucial Conference League clash.
Post-match recovery was a top priority. Immediately after the final whistle, way2events had plans in place for the team's return to the hotel. Dedicated buses were ready to take the players back swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption after what was sure to be a physically intense game. Back at the hotel, recovery meals were already prepared, and the team’s medical staff had access to treatment rooms for post-match physiotherapy and recovery sessions.

A Holistic Approach to Sports Travel

way2events ensured that every aspect of KAA Gent’s travel experience—from the team’s rigorous preparation to the seamless support for staff—was executed with precision. This blend of professional sports logistics and the cultural allure of London demonstrated how way2events elevates sports travel to a new level. The incentive package for VIPs and sponsors added an additional dimension to the experience, but the heart of this journey was the meticulous care and focus on the team’s performance.

With this matchday travel experience, way2events showcased its expertise in managing elite sports teams, ensuring that KAA Gent was fully supported and able to focus entirely on the task at hand—leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for this crucial Conference League fixture against Chelsea.