Killers To Headline UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show

The Killers will headline the Kick Off Show at the UEFA Champions League Final on May 30 at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. The show is presented by Pepsi and UC3, the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from UEFA events.

Live Nation is producing the show, delivering a full stadium-scale performance under the pressures posed by a high-profile live broadcast event like the Champions League final, which has more global viewers than the Super Bowl final each year.

James Massing, SVP of Special Operations at Live Nation, leads on the production and planning behind making a moment like this work. He commented, “Partnering with UEFA and Pepsi gives us the perfect opportunity to unite two of fans’ greatest passions – world-class football and live music. Helping shape and deliver a moment like this, in the narrow window before kick-off and for an audience of millions, is what makes these projects so special. We look forward to bringing The Killers to Budapest and creating a show that kicks off what’s set to be a great night at the Final.”

Since arriving on the world stage in 2004, The Killers have gone on to solidify their place as globally recognised rock icons of the 21st century, boasting over 35 million albums sold, including multi-platinum hits like ‘Mr. Brightside’, ‘When You Were Young’ and ‘Human’.

The quartet recently confirmed its eighth studio album is in the works, with a tour also on the horizon.

The last box office reports submitted to Pollstar for The Killers are from an Aug. 3, 2025, performance at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, ON, which sold out 4,918 tickets at a $908,953 gross; and a Aug. 2 sold-out show at CMAC in
Canandaigua, NY, where the band moved 14,109 tickets, grossing $1,014,564.

Comments:

The Killers, “When we were asked to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi, we said yes without hesitation, some stages speak for themselves. We’re honored to celebrate the incredible teams and players at what will undoubtedly be an epic match.”

Eugene Willemsen, CEO, International Beverages at PepsiCo, “Pepsi has a proud history of bringing big cultural moments in sports and music to fans around the world, and this year is no different. Through Pepsi Football Nation, our fan platform celebrating the culture and passion at the heart of the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show, we’re proud to welcome one of the most loved rock bands of the 21st century, The Killers, to the stage in Budapest. We are delighted to partner with a band that embodies the spirit of Pepsi, creating the kind of moments that define how the game is experienced. We can’t wait for them to deliver their electrifying performance and world-renowned anthems at the Puskás Aréna, and we look forward to the reaction from fans in the stadium and around the world.”

Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director, UC3, “The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi has grown into a true landmark moment in global entertainment, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular yet. The Killers are an iconic band whose energy will set the perfect tone in Budapest, delivering an exhilarating start to the biggest match in European club football. Together with Pepsi, we’re proud to elevate the fan experience once again — in the stadium and for millions watching worldwide.”

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