Villa Park Awaits for Opening Celebration of TEAMS Europe ’26

Few clubs in world football carry the heritage and stature of Aston Villa Football Club. Founded in 1874 and crowned European champions in 1982, Villa is woven into the fabric of English football history. Its home stadium, Villa Park, has stood as one of the game’s great stages for over a century and is a stadium synonymous with tradition, ambition and excellence.

It is here, at this iconic venue, that the TEAMS Europe ’26 Opening Celebration will take place on the evening of 17 March.

One of the original founding members of the Football League in 1888, “The Villans” have won a number of major trophies, including seven top-flight English league titles, seven FA Cups, five League Cups, one European Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.

Its ground’s own history is just as noteworthy, since the club made the move to Villa Park in 1897. Today, the venue has evolved into a premier all-seater stadium with a capacity of over 42,000, which has also played host to matches in the FIFA World Cup, European Championships, FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup and many more unforgettable nights under the lights.

Villa Park’s legacy in English football makes it a fitting venue to kick off TEAMS Europe.

The Oak Room History

Set proudly on the halfway line of Villa Park, the Oak Room is the stadium’s most prestigious and refined hospitality space. First opened over a century ago, it is famous for being the first-ever restaurant in a football stadium.

Overlooking the hallowed turf, it offers an atmosphere that blends Aston Villa’s historic legacy with contemporary luxury. As the pinnacle of matchday hospitality and special events at the club, the Oak Room provides a setting worthy of a celebration of this scale — a place where football heritage and world-class experience meet.

There’s a real sense of history in the Oak Room, with dark oak floors, wooden wall panelling and floor-to-ceiling windows. It hosts everything from private dinners to important meetings, with Executive Boxes nearby for additional breakout space.

On matchdays, the restaurant offers a sophisticated experience, including a complimentary bar and five-course meal serviced across a choice menu.

A Redesigned Contemporary Space for Exclusive Events

The current iteration of the Oak Room, situated in the Trinity Road Stand, continues to serve as a high-end matchday experience at Villa Park with two bars.

It was redesigned as part of a major 2025 renovation of hospitality spaces led by brand experience agency 20.20, which coincided with the club’s 150th-anniversary celebrations. The redesign modernised the space to blend traditional, rich oak panelling with contemporary luxury, featuring 24-carat gold leaf, Italian mosaics and premium, intimate matchday dining.

Now, the newly refurbished suite is a modern hospitality space that serves as a contemporary take on the original historic restaurant. It features restored, original elements alongside modern, luxurious design, from historic timber panelling to memorabilia such as the 1982 European Cup.

Agenda
The agenda for the Opening Celebration is as follows (subject to change):

19:30–20:30: Welcome speeches, drinks and bowl food

20:30 onwards: Drinks and Tours commence of Aston Villa

Exclusive Opening Celebration Experiences at Aston Villa

Pitch Side Experience
At the TEAMS Europe Opening Celebration, you will get the chance to walk pitch side on the hallowed turf of Aston Villa – a truly rare opportunity to experience the stadium up close and feel the excitement where the action happens.

Dates & Venue

The TEAMS Europe Opening Celebration will take place on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

The venue for the Opening Celebration of TEAMS Europe is: The Oak Room, Villa Park, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE, England.

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