Cologne, 21 April 2026 – With 19,750 seats, the LANXESS Arena in Cologne is one of the largest multi-purpose arenas in Europe and has been the venue for the Final4 tournament for the DHB Cup since 2023. This year, the portable, full-surface LED video sports floor transformed the arena floor into a dynamic media surface spanning over 900 square metres: show elements, animations, and sponsor content were broadcast directly onto the floor in real time, visible and experiential both for the audience inside the arena and for viewers watching on television. From the very opening, large-scale animations created a stunning start to the event, complemented by visually staged player introductions. During the matches, targeted on-court animations were deployed for moments including video reviews, two-minute suspensions, time-outs, and the “DAIKIN Minute” immediately before the kick-off of the second half of all four matches. By integrating partner branding directly into the floor, physical floor stickers were no longer needed, with a positive effect on the risk of slipping and injury.
As an innovative sports floor technology, ASB GlassFloor meets all technical playing requirements, including official accreditation by the International Handball Federation (IHF). In addition, the latest generation of the court, the ASB LumiFlex S, enables shorter setup and dismantling times, as well as high reliability and safety for top-level sporting events and live shows. While Game 4 of the ice hockey playoffs between the Kölner Haie and the Eisbären Berlin took place on the Wednesday before the Lidl Final4, the more than 900-square-metre floor was installed, cabled, and signed off in just a single day on Thursday, allowing rehearsals and training for the handball highlight on Saturday and Sunday to begin on Friday. As early as the following Monday, ice hockey was once again played in Game 6 between Cologne and Berlin at the LANXESS Arena.
Planning and execution of the event were handled by ASB Arena and Event Services AG, a subsidiary of ASB GlassFloor headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.
“The Lidl Final4 is one of the most significant handball events in the world and represents one of the most defining formats in German indoor sport. The ambition to continuously evolve the event and drive innovation forward is a central force shaping the future of the sport. We are very pleased to be able to support the HBL on this journey and to actively contribute to setting new benchmarks for the fan experience. Change takes time, but it is an essential part of progress. We are all the more delighted that we were able to win over players, fans, and our clients alike, and deliver an extraordinary experience for handball.” Benedikt von Dohnanyi, CEO of ASB Arena and Event Services AG.
Frank Bohmann, Managing Director of the Handball Bundesliga: “The images from the Lidl Final4 for the DHB Cup 2026 are captivating audiences around the world, not least because we showcased world-class handball in a spectacular and visually stunning way across an impressive 900 square metres of full-surface LED video sports floor. Together with ASB GlassFloor and our media partner Dyn, we boldly advanced the Lidl Final4 2026, used innovation to set new standards for the spectator experience, and transformed the world of millions of people, both in the arena and in front of their screens, who followed the matches live in Germany and in over 80 other countries. Together, we succeeded in inspiring even more people for our incredible sport.”