News

New highlight at the DATEV Challenge Roth Festival Market
Tournaments & free play for kids from July 3 to 6 / Huge street food selection / Cashless system for smoother service

The DATEV Challenge Roth Festival Market is stepping up its game in 2025 – literally! For the first time ever, a premium soccer court with full perimeter boards and artificial turf will be installed, offering an exciting program for kids and teens. From July 3 to 6, young visitors can enjoy supervised games, thrilling tournaments, and real soccer fun – free and open to all.

Free play for kids on Thursday, Friday morning, and Saturday morning
The soccer court opens daily from Thursday, July 3, at 10 a.m. On-site supervisors will ensure fair teams, plenty of balls, and smooth gameplay. Matches follow the 3+1 format (three field players + one goalie), with unlimited substitutions. Clubs and groups can pre-book 30-minute slots for free by emailing franziska@challenge-roth.de.

Bundesliga vibes and the DATEV Challenge Roth Soccer Cup powered by HRK Lunis
The action kicks off on Friday, July 4, with the U9 Soccer Cup featuring teams from towns along the triathlon course – including TV Eckersmühlen, TSG Roth, TSV Heideck, and TV Hilpoltstein. A tournament that blends local pride and sporting passion.

The Cup opens officially at 2 p.m. with a match between SpVgg Roth and TV Hilpoltstein’s U9 teams. The tournament starts at 3 p.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m. with an awards ceremony on the Center Stage.

One of the day's highlights: Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg will bring its fan truck, answer questions about the club, and sell selected merchandise on-site.

On Saturday, the U6 tournament kicks off at 1 p.m. with SG Thalmässing-Eysölden, TSG Roth, TSV Heideck, and TV Hilpoltstein. After the awards ceremony, it’s time for the girls: the U11 team from TV Hilpoltstein faces FC Wendelstein, followed by the U15 team against the youth squad from SpVgg Greuther Fürth. “The Cloverleaf” will also host a mobile fan stand.

On Sunday, the court opens once again for free play. Kids are welcome to join in – guided by experienced staff who keep everything running smoothly.

Off-the-ball fun – 17-meter-long bouncy obstacle course
A second highlight awaits our youngest guests: a 17-meter-long inflatable obstacle course! Climbing, bouncing, jumping – this is the perfect playground for little adventurers who prefer jumping over kicking. And yes, it's completely free of charge.

A world of flavors: International street food stands
The Festival Market is also a foodie’s dream. Just like the triathlon, the food is diverse, vibrant, and full of flavor. You’ll find everything from juicy pulled beef burgers, burritos, and pasta bowls to freshly baked pizza, Thai creations, and Asian specialties.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy waffles, fruit salad, or soft-serve ice cream, plus barista-style coffee – from espresso to flat white. Whether it's bratwurst, veggie sausages, loaded fries with pulled beef, fig & cream cheese ravioli, Greek fries, or superfood salads – there’s something for everyone. The food concept focuses on quality, variety, and nutrition, perfect for feasting, sharing, and savoring.

Cashless for smoother service – new payment option at the Festival Market
To ensure faster service at food and drink stands, the Festival Market 2025 is going completely cashless. Based on feedback from athletes, all items will be available only by card or mobile payment. Still carrying cash? No problem – you can convert it into prepaid cards at the Info Point quickly and easily.

Festival Market – a place for all generations
From July 3 to 7, the Festival Market welcomes everyone with free entry each day – perfect for a relaxed, sport-filled summer celebration. In addition to the soccer program, guests can enjoy a colorful kids' area, diverse culinary offerings, and a dynamic stage program. Highlights include the big Festival Opening, the official athlete welcome, a live talk with extreme adventurer Jonas Deichmann, and the grand awards ceremony on Monday.

The Festival Market is all about connection, emotion, and community – right in the heart of the Home of Triathlon, powered by regional spirit.
For full opening times and the program, visit:
👉 https://www.challenge-roth.com/de/the-festival-market.html