essma awards
we celebrate
the stadium industry.
ESSMA unites 350+ stadium operators, clubs, leagues and federations across Europe. We share insights, run flagship events, and publish the research that shapes how the stadiums of today and tomorrow are built and operated.
01/about
essma awards.
The ESSMA Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the sports stadium industry.
Each year, ESSMA recognises outstanding projects, initiatives, and achievements that demonstrate best practices across stadium development, operations, sustainability, fan experience, and more. The awards highlight the people and organisations shaping the future of sports venues.
02/what you can win
ESSMA Awards Categories.
Discover the criteria for each of our awards
The Pitch Management Award recognises outstanding achievements in the management and maintenance of natural, hybrid or synthetic playing surfaces. It celebrates projects and operational teams that consistently deliver high-quality, safe and resilient pitches while balancing sporting performance, sustainability and operational efficiency. The award highlights innovation in turf management, technology, maintenance strategies and resource optimisation. It is open to both newly developed initiatives and long-term operational excellence that has demonstrably improved pitch quality and reliability.
Evaluation criteria:
- Consistent playing surface quality and performance
- Innovation in pitch maintenance techniques or technologies
- Sustainable use of water, energy and maintenance resources
- Ability to maintain high standards under intensive event schedules
- Measurable operational improvements and long-term impact
The Stadium Development Award honours exceptional stadium construction, redevelopment or renovation projects that set new standards for the industry. The award recognises venues that successfully combine innovative design, operational functionality and long-term sustainability to create outstanding facilities for fans, teams and staff. Projects may range from complete new-build stadiums to major refurbishments or infrastructure upgrades. The emphasis is on delivering lasting value through smart planning, collaboration and execution.
Evaluation criteria:
- Innovation in design, construction or redevelopment
- Operational efficiency and functionality of the venue
- Integration of sustainability principles throughout the project
- Positive impact on the fan, team and stakeholder experience
- Overall project delivery, quality and long-term value
The Fan Engagement & Hospitality Award celebrates initiatives that significantly enhance the matchday and event experience for supporters, guests and corporate clients. It recognises projects that create memorable, inclusive and personalised experiences through innovative services, technology, hospitality concepts or fan interaction. The award highlights organisations that successfully strengthen relationships with their audiences while delivering measurable improvements in satisfaction and engagement. Both digital and physical initiatives are eligible.
Evaluation criteria:
- Innovation in fan engagement or hospitality delivery
- Improvement of the overall visitor experience
- Use of technology to enhance personalisation and interaction
- Inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences
- Demonstrable impact through visitor feedback or performance metrics
The Sustainability & Social Impact Award recognises projects that create meaningful environmental and social value within the stadium industry. It celebrates organisations that integrate sustainability into their operations while generating a positive impact for their communities, employees and stakeholders. The award covers initiatives related to environmental responsibility, social inclusion, accessibility, governance and community engagement. Particular emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate measurable results and can inspire best practice across the industry.
Evaluation criteria:
- Environmental impact and resource efficiency
- Social value and community engagement
- Innovation in sustainable operations or governance
- Improvements in accessibility and inclusion
- Scalability and potential to inspire wider industry adoption
Submit your application for the 4th annual Stadium Industry Awards now!
Submitting a project for the ESSMA Stadium Industry Awards is simple. Complete the online nomination form and tell us about your project, its objectives, approach and impact on the stadium industry.
Projects can be submitted across the different award categories, showcasing excellence, innovation and best practices from across the European stadium community.
03/past winners
wall of fame.
1st ESSMA Stadium Industry Awards – Awarded at the 10th ESSMA Summit at Johan Cruijff Arena (January 2024)
🌱 Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Johan Cruijff ArenA
The prestigious Sustainability Initiative of the Year award went to the Johan Cruijff ArenA, a testament to their dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation and their aim to become Net Positive by 2030 . The arena’s sustainable practices set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating a commitment to a greener, more eco-friendly future. In a close competition, LFP secured the 2nd position with their integration of CSR criteria in teh club licensing process, followed by Vfl Wolfsburg in 3rd place with their project to reduce microplastics.
🦺 Safety & Security Initiative of the Year: Racing Club de Ferrol
Racing Club de Ferrol emerged as the winner in the Safety & Security Initiative of the Year category. Their exemplary efforts in ensuring the safety and security of fans following their promotion to the 2nd league showcased the club’s commitment to creating a secure environment. Real Betis secured the 2nd position with their safety initiative for fans of functional diversity, closely followed by KAA Gent with their biometric access project in 3rd place.
🚧 Stadium Development, Construction & Renovation Initiative of the Year: Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace
Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace claimed the top spot in the Stadium Development, Construction & Renovation Initiative of the Year category. Their innovative approach to stadium development which includes upcycling and reusage of Airbus 1340 fuselage components for their South stand, set a standard for excellence in the industry. Friends Arena secured the 2nd position with their new event deck and floodlight installation, with Manchester United FC securing the 3rd spot for their connectivity network implementation.
2nd ESSMA Stadium Industry Awards – Awarded at the 11th ESSMA Summit at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium (November 2024)
🏗️ Stadium Development initiative of the year
1st place: Fulham FC – The redevelopment of Craven Cottage into a 24/7 community hub, modernizing the stadium while boosting the local economy and blending seamlessly with its riverside location.
2nd place: Real Zaragoza – Exciting plans for the Nueva La Romerada.
3rd place: Wembley Stadium – Significant investment in safety & security measures and infrastructure.
🌍 Sustainability initiative of the year
1st place: Royal Antwerp FC – Their RFID reusable cup system saves 7 tons of plastic annually, reduces cleanup efforts, increases beverage sales and enhances fan experience.
2nd place: Johan Cruijff ArenA – Paving the way with 100% green events by harnessing energy from 4,200 rooftop solar panels, capable of charging batteries with a total capacity of 8.6 MWh, and supplementing this with green energy from local wind and solar farms.
3rd place: RCD Espanyol – Significantly expanding their photovoltaic solar energy capacity by installing 1,860 additional solar panels, bringing the total to 2,200 panels. This system generates 1.9 GWh of energy annually and helps reduce 800 tons of CO2 emissions each year.
♿ Accessibility initiative of the year
1st place: FC Porto – Their INZONE sensory room innovation creates three zones for individuals with sensory disabilities, allowing them to experience a football match for the first time. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
2nd place: Allianz Arena – Pioneering a barrier-free stadium with features such as designated parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible seating, a completely barrier-free level, headsets, subtitle glasses, accessible toilets and much more.
3rd place: Principality Stadium – Enhancing inclusivity and accessibility with features like access card technology for seamless ticketing, effortless stadium entry, accessible seating and parking, dedicated support services, and much more.
🏟️ Fan Experience initiative of the year
1st place: Everton FC – A fully immersive digital sales experience, allowing prospective buyers to explore and visualise different areas of their new stadium, boosting engagement and streamlining decision-making.
2nd place: STVV – A memorable season-long 100th anniversary celebration campaign that engaged fans beyond the typical game-day experience, featuring documentaries, special events, themed matches, exclusive STVV-branded products, and much more.
3rd place: CD Leganés – Revolutionizing fan engagement with their NFT season ticketing campaign, where matchday ticket holders could win prizes based on the on-field action.
3rd ESSMA Stadium Industry Awards awarded at the 12th ESSMA Summit at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (November 2025)
🎯 Best Development Initiative:AD Ceuta FC
Up against GKS Katowice and SC Braga, Ceuta stood out for their bold approach to stadium growth and community impact.
🎯 Best Fan Engagement:Paris Saint-Germain
Incredible work connecting fans on and off the pitch — with Johan Cruijff ArenA and Sevilla FC also showing brilliant creativity.
🎯 Best Hospitality:Celta
Delivering a top-tier matchday experience that impressed us all. Juventus and CD Leganés – fantastic contenders!
🎯 Sustainability & Social Impact:Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Their Net Zero 2040 plan leads the way in responsible stadium operations. Hats off as well to Córdoba CF and Malmö FF for their powerful sustainability efforts.
03/the fine print
terms and conditions.
The ESSMA Stadium Industry Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and positive impact across the European stadium industry. To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, all submitted projects must comply with the terms and conditions outlined below.
- Projects must be submitted by a current ESSMA member.
- Projects must have been implemented within the previous 12 months.
- Each project may only be entered into one category.
- Projects must be submitted in English using the official Nomination Form.
- Winning projects may not be resubmitted. Previously nominated non-winning projects may be resubmitted if still eligible.
Stage 1 – Selection of Nominees
The ESSMA Executive Committee (ExCo) reviews all eligible submissions and selects between three and five nominees per category. The ExCo may reassign a project to a more appropriate category. ExCo members abstain where a conflict of interest exists.
Stage 2 – Selection of Winners
The ESSMA Board reviews the shortlisted nominees and selects the golden, silver and bronze winner in each category. Board members abstain where a conflict of interest exists. The Board's decision is final.
The Awards are presented during the ESSMA Summit.
At least one representative of the winning organisation must be present. If no representative is present, the Award will automatically be presented to the next highest-ranked nominated organisation, as determined by the ESSMA Board.
Nominees receive an official communication toolkit. ESSMA may promote nominated and winning projects through its communication channels.
By submitting a nomination, participants confirm the accuracy of the information, authority to submit, ownership or permission for supporting materials and acceptance of this Handbook.
All submissions are treated confidentially and are only accessible to the ESSMA Secretariat, ExCo and Board where required.
ESSMA reserves the right to amend this Handbook and the Awards process where necessary.
The Awards are governed by the laws of Belgium.
You may submit your case via this link
Who can submit?
Any current ESSMA member.
Who selects the nominees?
The Executive Committee (ExCo).
Who selects the winners?
The ESSMA Board.
Can a project be submitted in multiple categories?
No.
Must the winner attend the Summit?
Yes. Otherwise the Award passes to the next highest-ranked nominated organisation.