"Legends of the Game"
When Football Meets the Moment
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
Legends of the Game – Football & Entertainment Festival - Proposed by VEGA Live Entertainment
This proposal has been prepared by VEGA Live Entertainment based on current market intelligence, industry benchmarks, and preliminary feasibility assessments applicable to large-scale international sports and entertainment events.
Proposal Validity
This proposal is valid for a period of twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date of issuance.
Any delay beyond this validity period may require revision of commercial terms, pricing, availability, or scope due to market dynamics and third-party dependencies.
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
Artist & Football Legends Engagement
All international artists, football legends, and associated participants mentioned in this proposal are presented on a subject-to-availability and non-binding basis.
Final confirmations are strictly subject to:
  • availability for the proposed event dates,
  • acceptance of commercial and contractual terms,
  • execution of formal agreements, and
  • receipt of advance payments as per contractual requirements.
Estimated artist and participant fees may vary at the time of formal negotiation due to market demand, routing, exclusivity clauses, schedule changes, or currency fluctuations.
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
Visas, Background Checks & Entry Compliance
All international football players, artists, and their respective teams are required to comply with UAE immigration, visa, background verification, and security clearance requirements.
Visa processing, background checks, and entry approvals must be initiated at an early stage and are subject to the discretion of the relevant UAE authorities.
VEGA Live Entertainment shall not be held responsible for any delay, rejection, denial of entry, or legal restriction imposed on any participant by the host country authorities, including but not limited to visa issues, travel bans, or background-related disqualifications.
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
Venue Availability & Commercial Terms
Venue references, rental estimates, and operational assumptions stated in this proposal are indicative and non-binding.
Final venue availability, pricing, and terms are subject to:
  • venue calendar availability,
  • final event footprint and configuration,
  • official venue quotations,
  • execution of formal venue agreements, and
  • advance payments as required by venue authorities.
Venue costs and conditions may vary at the time of final confirmation.
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
Regulatory Approvals & Compliance
All permits, licenses, regulatory approvals, and statutory clearances are assumed to be obtainable within the required timelines.
Costs and timelines associated with approvals may vary based on prevailing authority requirements and event scale at the time of application.
Financial Estimates & Assumptions
All financial figures, budgets, and projections included in this proposal are estimates prepared for planning and evaluation purposes only.
Actual costs may vary due to changes in scope, regulatory requirements, vendor pricing, inflation, foreign exchange movements, security protocols, or force majeure events.
DISCLAIMER & COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, COMMERCIAL ASSUMPTIONS & IP NOTICE
No Binding Commitment
This proposal does not constitute a binding offer, representation, or guarantee by VEGA Live Entertainment.
Any binding obligation shall arise only upon the execution of definitive agreements mutually agreed upon by all concerned parties.
Intellectual Property & Confidentiality
This proposal, including all concepts, structures, budgets, strategies, and creative elements contained herein, constitutes the intellectual property of VEGA Live Entertainment.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, disclosure, or sharing of this document, in whole or in part, without prior written consent from VEGA Live Entertainment is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action and associated consequences.
International Legends Soccer & Entertainment Festival 2026
The South Asia Association presents a groundbreaking five-day sports and entertainment property that brings together the global appeal of football legends with premium live entertainment, hospitality, and fan experiences, tailored specifically for the UAE's multicultural audience.
This isn't just a tournament—it's a world-class festival designed to position the host city as a regional hub for international sports tourism, live entertainment, and global brand engagement.
Our Vision
The International Legends Soccer & Entertainment Festival is envisioned as a scalable, repeatable annual festival that creates a world-class, multi-day sports and entertainment property. We're bringing together the global appeal of football legends with premium live entertainment, hospitality, and fan experiences.
This event positions the host city as a regional hub for international sports tourism, live entertainment, and global brand engagement. It's designed not as a one-off tournament, but as an annual flagship property that grows in scale, visibility, and commercial value year after year.
Three Core Pillars
Football Heritage
High-energy exhibition matches featuring retired international football legends in a fast-paced 7-a-side format designed for fan engagement and broadcast appeal.
Entertainment Elevation
Daily post-match headline performances by internationally recognised artists, carefully curated to appeal to diverse age groups and nationalities.
Premium Fan Experience
Immersive fan zones, sponsor activations, and tiered hospitality offerings serving both mass audiences and premium buyers.
Why This Concept Works
Market Realities
  • UAE audiences seek experiences, not standalone events
  • Sponsors demand measurable engagement and premium association
  • Cities benefit from tourism-driven, repeatable event IPs
  • Fans value football authenticity combined with global entertainment appeal
Strategic Positioning
A five-day international football tournament featuring global legends, elevated with world-class entertainment, premium hospitality, and immersive fan experiences, designed for UAE's multicultural audience and global tourism market.
This positioning reflects respect for the sport, global cultural relevance, and Dubai/Abu Dhabi's standing as international event destinations.
Long-Term Vision
The festival is designed to evolve into a recognised regional flagship sports-entertainment IP, a platform for future editions across GCC and international markets, and a preferred property for long-term sponsor partnerships. With strategic execution, the event will grow year-on-year in scale, visibility, and commercial value.
Event Overview
5
Days
Full festival duration
8
Teams
International legends squads
15
Matches
Total tournament games
7
Players
Per team (7-a-side format)
Tournament Format
Fast-Paced & Fan-Friendly
The tournament features 8 international teams including the Host Nation plus 7 global football nations. All matches use a 7-a-side exhibition format designed for maximum fan engagement and broadcast appeal.
Former international players and legends compete in 15 total matches: 12 league matches, 2 semi-finals, and 1 grand final.
Match Timing Structure
League Matches
15-minute halves
10-minute recess
Fast-paced action
Semi-Finals
20-minute halves
10-minute recess
Increased intensity
Grand Final
25-minute halves
20-minute recess
Championship spectacle
Two-Stadium Strategy
The festival utilizes a strategic two-stadium approach across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, maximizing geographic reach, audience accessibility, and operational flexibility. This dual-venue strategy enhances tourism impact and provides backup contingency planning.
Stadium 1: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
Primary Functions
  • Opening & closing ceremonies (Day 1 & Day 5)
  • All official matches (Day 3)
  • Post-match headline concerts
  • Fan engagement matches
  • Youth academies & sponsor activities
  • Broadcast and premium hospitality
  • Backup & contingency planning
Stadium 2: Dubai Sports City, Dubai
Primary Functions
  • All official matches (Day 2 & Day 4)
  • Post-match headline concerts
  • Fan engagement matches
  • Youth academies & sponsor activities
  • Broadcast and premium hospitality
  • Backup & contingency planning
Daily Event Rhythm
Each day follows the same rhythm to build habit and predictability for audiences and sponsors. This consistent structure ensures operational excellence while maximizing commercial opportunities and fan satisfaction.
Phase 1: Pre-Match Experience
Fan Park Activation
Gates open early to welcome fans into an immersive pre-match environment. Sponsor zones activate with interactive experiences, food and beverage service begins, and light entertainment featuring MC and DJ sets the energy.
Player arrival content is captured for social media amplification, building anticipation for the matches ahead.
Phase 2: Match Window
Football remains the hero during this phase. Matches proceed with minimal interruption, preserving the sporting integrity and fan focus. Precision halftime engagement is limited to 3-4 minutes, ensuring the game stays center stage.
This approach respects the sport while maintaining broadcast quality and audience engagement throughout the match experience.
Phase 3: Transition & Dine Time
Strategic Reset Period
A 1 to 1.5 hour window allows for stadium reset and stage preparation. This is peak time for premium dining and hospitality experiences.
The stage is prepared silently and covered, maintaining the surprise element for the concert while allowing F&B operations to maximize revenue during this high-value period.
Phase 4: Post-Match Concert
One international artist performs each day in a 45-75 minute set designed specifically for stadium acoustics and crowd flow. The concert is positioned as the "reward" after football, creating a complete entertainment experience.
Production is optimized for broadcast quality with controlled lighting and sound, ensuring both in-stadium and viewing audiences receive a premium experience.
Entertainment Strategy
Interim Entertainment
Local dance crews, neon fusion performances, youth academies, and sponsor-branded showcases maintain energy with zero artist-fee exposure.
Headline Acts
Five international artists, one per day, positioned as the reward after football. Each performance is carefully curated for cultural appeal.
Ticketing Framework
Ticket Categories
  • Football only
  • Entertainment only
  • Football + Entertainment
  • General Admission
  • Premium Seating
  • Hospitality Lounge
  • VIP Pitchside
  • VVIP / Corporate Boxes
Sponsorship Integration
Every sponsor plugs into three guaranteed touchpoints throughout the event, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement across the entire fan journey from arrival through post-event amplification.
Production Philosophy
Core Principles
We retain high-impact visuals, ceremonial feel, and controlled spectacle while upgrading for the UAE market with artist-led production, broadcast-friendly lighting and pacing, and premium finishing.
The approach avoids over-theatrical elements or laser-only dependency, focusing instead on sophisticated production values that enhance rather than overshadow the sporting and musical performances.
UAE-Optimized
Production designed specifically for UAE audience expectations and broadcast standards
Standard Daily Timeline
Days 2, 3, and 4 follow a repeatable structure designed for operational excellence, security efficiency, and commercial optimization. This consistency ensures smooth execution while maximizing F&B revenue, sponsor activation time, and broadcast quality.
13:30 - 15:00: Pre-Opening
01
Technical Readiness
Venue technical checks complete, sponsor zones and fan park activated
02
Security Alignment
Security dry run and access control alignment completed
03
Hospitality Prep
Hospitality lounges stocked and staffed, media check-in opens
15:00: Gates Open
Fan Arrival
General Admission, Premium, and Hospitality gates open with cashless and QR ticket validation. DJ and MC create ambience in the fan park as food and beverage counters go live.
This marks the beginning of the fan experience, setting the tone for the entire event day.
15:00 - 16:30: Fan Engagement Zone
Sponsor Activations
Interactive brand experiences
Skill Challenges
5-a-side competitions
Freestyle Football
Professional demonstrations
Photo Zones
Branded social moments
16:30 - 17:15: Community Performances
Cultural Showcase
  • Neon dance and fusion acts
  • Drone shows
  • Youth academy showcases
  • Cultural group performances
  • Laser shows
These interim performances maintain energy while celebrating local talent and cultural diversity.
17:15 - 17:45: Match Warm-Up
Teams enter the stadium as warm-up music builds anticipation. Crowd engagement via screens includes sponsor shout-outs and contests. Security locks the inner bowl by the end of this window, ensuring smooth transition to match time.
18:00 - 19:30: Football Matches
Match Schedule
Match 1: 18:00 - 18:40
Reset: 10 minutes
Match 2: 18:50 - 19:30
Each match includes a 3-4 minute precision halftime entertainment with LED wristband moments. No stage usage during matches—football remains the hero throughout this window.
19:30 - 20:45: Dine Time & Stadium Reset
F&B Peak
Spectators move to food zones, hospitality lounges peak service
Stage Build
Stage construction begins with lighting, audio, LED checks
Soundcheck
Artist soundcheck ensures perfect concert delivery
20:45 - 21:00: Concert Pre-Show
Building Anticipation
DJ and MC energiser set builds excitement with crowd countdown and visual teasers on LED screens. Sponsor integration moments are woven seamlessly into the pre-show experience.
This 15-minute window transitions the audience from dining mode to concert energy.
21:00 - 22:15: Headline Performance
The 60-75 minute international artist set features full stadium production mode with broadcast-friendly lighting and controlled pyrotechnics (subject to permits). This is the pinnacle moment of each day, delivering world-class entertainment that justifies the premium ticket pricing.
22:15 - 22:30: Encore & Closing
Memorable Finale
Artist farewell is followed by event branding visuals and a teaser for the next day. A sponsor thank-you montage acknowledges partners while maintaining the celebratory atmosphere.
This closing moment leaves audiences excited to return for the next day's experience.
22:30 - 23:30: Controlled Exit
1
Phased Exit
Exit by seating zones with transport coordination
2
Fan Park Close
Soft close of fan zones and sponsor areas
3
Media Wrap
Media wrap-ups and content capture
4
Overnight Reset
Venue reset begins for next day
Day 1: Grand Opening
Day 1 follows the standard structure with three major upgrades: an opening ceremony from 17:30-17:55 featuring parade of nations, trophy reveal, tournament anthem, light visual spectacle, laser show, drone show, fireworks, and official opening declaration.
The Day 1 artist has broad cross-cultural appeal with a slightly longer set of 75-90 minutes, setting the tone for the entire festival.
Opening Ceremony Elements
Parade of Nations
All 8 teams enter with flags and fanfare
Trophy Reveal
Championship trophy unveiled to crowd
Tournament Anthem
Official song performed live
Visual Spectacle
Laser show, drone show, and fireworks
Official Declaration
Tournament officially opened by dignitaries
Day 5: Grand Finale
Championship Day
The final match block runs from 18:00-19:30 with extended format and camera-first execution. Trophy and awards staging preparation occurs during the match.
Trophy ceremony from 19:30-19:50 includes awards, medals, champion moment, and confetti visual highlights.
Finale Concert Experience
The finale concert from 20:30-22:00 features the strongest or most iconic artist in an emotional, celebratory set. Event legacy visuals play throughout, with an announcement of future editions building anticipation for the next year's festival.
Artist Line-Up Overview
5
Headline Artists
One per day
7
Total Performers
Including Day 5 dual act
$18.8M
Total Budget
USD artist investment
Day 1: Grand Opening Night
Yanni
Budget: USD 2.34M / AED 8.59M
Opening night requires an artist with broad, cross-cultural appeal to set the festival tone. Yaani delivers the perfect blend of energy and accessibility for the diverse UAE audience, creating an unforgettable first impression.
Day 2: Premium Emotional Night
Sean Paul
Budget: USD 2.30M / AED 8.44M
Sean Paul brings premium emotional energy with his globally recognized hits and infectious stage presence. His performance appeals to multiple generations and cultural backgrounds, making him ideal for Day 2's momentum building.
Day 3: Cross-Cultural Night
Akon
Budget: USD 2.15M / AED 7.88M
Akon's cross-cultural appeal and philanthropic reputation resonate deeply with the UAE's diverse population. His blend of R&B, hip-hop, and world music creates a unifying experience at the festival's midpoint.
Day 4: Festival Energy Night
David Guetta
Budget: USD 5.03M / AED 18.48M
David Guetta represents the festival's peak energy moment. As one of the world's top DJs, his electronic dance music creates an explosive atmosphere that builds maximum anticipation for the grand finale.
Day 5: Grand Finale Night
The grand finale features a powerful dual-artist lineup combining Martin Garrix's international electronic appeal with Arijit Singh's massive South Asian following. This strategic pairing ensures maximum audience satisfaction and creates an unforgettable closing experience.
Martin Garrix
International EDM Icon
Budget: USD 4.13M / AED 15.15M
Martin Garrix brings youth appeal and festival credibility to the finale. His high-energy electronic sets and global fanbase ensure the event closes with maximum impact and international recognition.
Arijit Singh
Bollywood Superstar
Budget: USD 2.85M / AED 10.46M
Arijit Singh's inclusion acknowledges the significant South Asian population in the UAE. His emotional ballads and massive following ensure the finale resonates deeply with a key demographic segment.
Artist Budget Breakdown
The artist budget totals USD 18.80M (AED 69.00M), strategically allocated to ensure each night delivers appropriate energy and audience appeal.
Total Artist Investment
$18.8M
USD Total
Complete artist budget
69M
AED Total
Local currency equivalent
This investment represents approximately 30-35% of the total event budget, aligning with industry standards for premium sports-entertainment festivals.
Revenue Streams
The festival's diversified revenue model ensures financial sustainability while maximizing value for all stakeholders from fans to sponsors to broadcast partners.
Sponsor Activation Opportunities
Fan Park Presence
Interactive zones with brand experiences and product sampling
Match Visibility
LED boards, pitch-side branding, and broadcast integration
Hospitality Integration
Branded lounges and premium experiences
Concert Amplification
Stage branding and digital content partnerships
Target Audience Segments
Families
Multi-generational groups seeking quality entertainment
Young Professionals
25-40 year olds with disposable income
International Tourists
Visitors seeking unique UAE experiences
Corporate Groups
Companies seeking hospitality opportunities
Football Enthusiasts
Fans of legends and football heritage
Marketing & Promotion Strategy
Multi-Channel Approach
  • Digital advertising across social platforms
  • Influencer partnerships and content creators
  • Traditional media (TV, radio, print)
  • Outdoor advertising in key locations
  • Email marketing to database
  • PR and media partnerships
  • Early bird and group discounts
Broadcast & Media Rights
Global Reach
The festival is designed for broadcast excellence with multiple camera angles, professional commentary, and highlight packages. Broadcast rights will be sold to regional and international networks.
Digital streaming partnerships extend reach to younger audiences, while social media content creates viral moments and extends the event's lifespan beyond the five days.
Operational Excellence
Security & Safety
Comprehensive security protocols aligned with UAE standards, including crowd management, emergency response, and medical facilities
Transportation & Logistics
Coordinated transport solutions including shuttle services, parking management, and metro integration
Technology Infrastructure
Robust WiFi, cashless payment systems, mobile app integration, and real-time communication platforms
Sustainability Commitment
Environmental Responsibility
The festival incorporates sustainable practices including waste reduction, recycling programs, and carbon offset initiatives. Reusable materials, digital ticketing, and eco-friendly vendor requirements minimize environmental impact.
Water stations reduce plastic bottle usage, while energy-efficient lighting and sound systems lower the carbon footprint.
Community Impact
Youth Development
Football academies and coaching clinics with legends
Local Business Support
Opportunities for local vendors and suppliers
Charitable Partnerships
Portion of proceeds supporting local causes
Success Metrics
85%
Target Capacity
Stadium fill rate across all days
90%
Satisfaction Rate
Post-event audience satisfaction target
75%
Sponsor Retention
Year-over-year sponsor return rate
95%
Safety Record
Incident-free event execution
Future Growth Potential
Scalable Model
The festival's proven format can expand to other GCC cities and international markets. Year two could introduce additional teams, extended days, or parallel events.
Potential for franchise opportunities, licensing deals, and permanent festival infrastructure investments position this as a long-term growth property.
Why This Will Succeed
Market Fit
Perfectly aligned with UAE's entertainment appetite and tourism goals
Strong Partnerships
Collaboration with proven venues, artists, and sponsors
Repeatable Format
Scalable structure that improves with each edition
Global Appeal
Attracts international tourists and media attention
Join Us for Legends of the Game
When Football Meets the Moment
The International Legends Soccer & Entertainment Festival 2026 represents a new era in sports entertainment. Five days of world-class football, international music stars, and unforgettable experiences await.
Get Tickets Now