AFC 2026 Season

With each event operating within a live stadium environment, the jobs required detailed planning, strong crew management and precise delivery in tight timelines. Across the run, crew numbers scaled according to the size and complexity of each fixture, with up to 130 crew for the largest match day and teams split across multiple departments, delivering the ceremony part of the event.

We focused on the delivery of the trophy ceremony stage builds and associated special effects elements. For each event, the crew was divided into dedicated teams responsible for specific sections of the stage, including carpet, modular stage sections, steps, arches and signage. For the AFC Champions League Two final, the team also delivered the team flags and trophy flags for both the pre-match ceremony and the trophy ceremony, adding another layer of complexity show day. Each team was led by a local crew chief, ensuring that every movement was clearly managed and delivered in line with the rehearsed show plan.

Ahead of each final, rehearsal days were used to practise stage movements, refine timings and identify the most efficient way to complete the builds within the limited windows available. This preparation was particularly important given the scale of the ceremonies and the need to coordinate multiple moving parts around the pitch, broadcast requirements and match-day operations.

Alongside the main stage crews, a dedicated team supported the set-up of equipment around the pitch barriers in the days leading into rehearsals. Their work included pre-match and trophy ceremony elements, all of which had to be closely aligned with the stage crew’s movements and timings to ensure a seamless show-day delivery.

The season presented a number of operational challenges, including very limited rehearsal time and demanding weather conditions given the extreme heat.

Across all match days, Showforce delivered faultless show-day support, ensuring that stage movements, SFX cues, flag movements and ceremony requirements were completed safely, efficiently and on schedule. The consistency of delivery across multiple venues and competitions helped to build a strong working relationship with the GL Events team, with planning already underway for the 2027 season.