Intel® Extreme Masters /
HOSPITALITY

THE ZONE VIP HOSPITALITY

The Counter-Strike Major returns to Cologne this June 18-21 at the Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 — one of the most anticipated events in competitive gaming.

Join us at The Zone, the exclusive, invite-only hospitality experience designed specifically for our business guests.

Keep scrolling to find out more!

What is
The Zone

The Zone at Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 is located inside the LANXESS Arena and is a thoughtfully designed environment where you can:
 
  • Witness key moments at the heart of the action
  • Enjoy enhanced comfort and service
  • Connect with business leaders and industry peers

All while experiencing world-class Counter-Strike.

How to Get to
Lanxess Arena

Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln

Taxi/Uber
The dedicated Taxi/Uber drop off is at Gummersbacher Strasse. Please follow the signage from the Uber/Taxi drop off and make your way to the The Zone VIP entrance.

Train/Tram lines 1, 3, 4 and 9 stop at ‘Bf Köln Messe/Deutz’ train/tram station. When arriving at the station it takes about 10 minutes to reach the LANXESS Arena. For an up-to-date timetable please visit the KVB website.

LANXESS Arena car parks P1, P2 and P4 for the private vehicles are signposted. Parking spot P5 is exclusively for busses.You can access them via Opladener Strasse through the LANXESS arena tunnel.

The Zone VIP Registration Booth & Entrance are located on the South / East side of the Arena as shown on the map.

HOW TO REGISTER
& ENTER THE ZONE

The Zone Registration & VIP Entrance

Upon arrival, make your way to The Zone VIP Registration Booth & VIP Entrance, both located on the South/East side of the Arena. Registration will be open from 12:30 CEST on all four days of the event. Please bring a form of photo ID and your Tixr ticket (if you have one) in order to receive your VIP accreditation.

You will receive both a VIP badge and a wristband. Please ensure that you keep and wear both at all times and on every day you plan to attend the event. Your accreditation is non-transferable.

There will be limited space available for storing coats and bags. Visit the hosts at the main entrance desk to The Zone on the 4th floor for assistance with this. Please note that bags cannot be larger than A4 size. Any equipment or cameras must be authorized before attending [please reach out to your EFG point of contact]. Please note, EFG holds no responsibility for any lost or missing belongings.

The Zone Map

Located on the 4th floor of LANXESS Arena, The Zone offers various areas for relaxation, entertainment & networking.
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4th Floor
1. The Zone Entrance
Entrance to The Zone is on the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena, adjacent to Lounge 402.
Comfortable seating, perfect for chilling out or having a relaxed chat away from the event buzz.
A mini stage will be set up to host various activations.
A variety of beverage options available all day including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Premium, chef-made catering options for lunch, dinner, and snacks will be offered daily.
Gateway to the VIP Sky Lounge, an exclusive viewing suite, to witness the Arena from above, while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages.
5th Floor
A private space perfect for focused discussions away from the main event buzz, bookable by your EFG point of contact.
Unlimited, expertly crafted coffee and tea beverages.
Live broadcast of the Intel® Extreme Masters match feed and captivating EFG films, documentaries

Other VIP AREAS

Your elevated view at the VIP SKY LOUNGE

On the 4th floor of LANXESS Arena (Lounges 421/422), the VIP Sky Lounge offers the ultimate Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne view. This private suite provides exclusive comfort with complimentary snacks and drinks – your perfect live match escape.

Brought to you by GRID

Be in the heart of the action with PREMIUM FLOOR SEATING

Our Infield Floor Seats offer unparalleled immersion, placing you directly on the arena floor, steps from the main stage. Feel the raw energy of thousands of passionate fans. Just ask your EFG point of contact for an escort to this area.

Daily
Program

Thursday

June 18

12:30 VIP REGISTRATION BOOTH OPEN

13:00 THE ZONE DOORS OPEN & RED CARPET PHOTOS

13:30 Lunch

15:30 Intel® Extreme Masters OPENING CEREMONY

15:45 QUARTER FINAL 1

17:00 EFG Welcome Toast

17:30 DINNER

19:00 QUARTER FINAL 2

Friday

June 19

12:30 VIP REGISTRATION BOOTH OPEN

13:00 THE ZONE DOORS OPEN & RED CARPET PHOTOS

13:30 LUNCH

15:30 Intel® Extreme Masters DAY 2 CEREMONY

15:45 QUARTER FINAL 3

17:00 THE ZONE ACTIVATION

17:30 DINNER

19:00 QUARTER FINAL 2

20:00 OFFSITE COCKTAIL PARTY @MONKEY BAR

Saturday

June 20

12:30 VIP REGISTRATION BOOTH OPEN

13:00 THE ZONE DOORS OPEN & RED CARPET PHOTOS

13:30 LUNCH

15:30 Intel® Extreme Masters DAY 3 CEREMONY

15:45 SEMI FINAL 1

17:00 THE ZONE ACTIVATION

17:30 DINNER

19:00 SEMI FINAL 2

19:30 - 21:30 COCKTAIL PARTY @ THE ZONE HOSTED BY GRID

Sunday

June 21

12:30 VIP REGISTRATION BOOTH OPEN

13:00 THE ZONE DOORS OPEN

14:00 Lunch

14:30 SHOWMATCH

16:45 Intel® Extreme Masters GRAND FINAL CEREMONY

17:00 GRAND FINAL

18:00 PASSED FINGER FOOD @VIP SKY LOUNGE

The Zone FAQ

The Zone is Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 exclusive VIP hospitality experience, designed specifically for our business guests. Located on the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena, this premium area offers a blend of comfort, entertainment, and networking opportunities. You'll find a sophisticated lounge, diverse food and bar options, a barista coffee bar, an immersive live streaming area, a private meeting room, and more.

You'll find The Zone inside the LANXESS Arena, where Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 is taking place. To enter:
- From the outside head to the South East Entrance, where the VIP Registration Booth is located
- From inside the Arena, get to the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena and find The Zone Entrance adjacent to Suite 402
- Your credentials also allow you general event access through all attendee event entrances

VIP Registration Booth Opening Hours (CEST)
Thu: 12:30 -20:00 | Fri: 12:30-20:00 | Sat: 12:30-20:00 | Sun: 12:30-19:00

The Zone Opening Hours (CEST)
Thu: 13:00 | Fri: 13:00 | Sat: 13:00 | Sun: 13:00

When you register, you'll receive both a VIP badge and a wristband. Please make sure to wear both of them at all times on every day you attend the event. You'll need to show both your badge and wristband for entry into The Zone and other VIP areas, like the VIP Sky Lounge. If you have issues with your badge or wristband, please visit the VIP Registration Booth for assistance.

Yes, there will be limited space available for storing coats and bags. Visit the hosts at the main entrance desk to The Zone on the 4th floor for assistance with this. Please note that bags cannot be larger than A4 size. Any equipment or cameras must be authorized before attending [please reach out to your EFG point of contact]. Please note, EFG holds no responsibility for any lost or missing belongings.

No, unfortunately due to the exclusive nature of the area, credentials into The Zone are non-transferable/changeable and only applicable to the person named on the ticket or added to The Zone guest list by an eligible EFG employee.

Yes! The Zone guests will enjoy daily chef-made catering for both lunch and dinner, plus snacks. Vegan options will be available as well. To keep you refreshed and energized, we'll offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside expertly crafted coffee and tea.

Yes! Wi-Fi will be available throughout The Zone. You'll find the connection details noted within the space.

- Offsite Cocktail Party | Friday, 20:00 CEST: Join us for an exclusive evening at Monkey Bar starting at 20:00 CEST. Connect with industry leaders and enjoy curated cocktails. Capacity is limited and a separate RSVP link will be shared for the Zone guests to register and secure their spot.

- The Zone Cocktail Party hosted by GRID | Saturday, 19:30 CEST: Mingle with peers and enjoy a live DJ set at our Saturday evening cocktail social, starting at 19:30 CEST at The Zone.

Yes! You can find it tutaj.

You have three excellent options to watch the live Intel® Extreme Masters matches:
- From the VIP Sky Lounge (brought to you by GRID): For an elevated view, head to the VIP Sky Lounge on the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena (Suites 421/422). Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.

- From the Premium Floor Seats: For an unparalleled immersive experience, watch the matches from our premium floor seats right on the arena floor, mere steps from the main stage. Just ask your EFG point of contact to escort you down to this exclusive area!

- From inside The Zone: Enjoy a live broadcast from the comfort of The Zone's Live Match Stream Area on the 5th floor and Sports Bar-style TVs throughout the space.

By accepting this ticket, I hereby acknowledge that I desire to participate in the gaming event held at the location of the LANXESS Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln, Germany between June 18-21 known as Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major (“IEM Cologne Major 2026”). I acknowledge that my decision to participate in IEM Cologne Major 2026 is totally voluntary and is solely for the purpose of my pursuit of recreational activities that I enjoy. I am of sound judgment and capable of understanding the risks involved in participating in IEM Cologne Major 2026.

I hereby assume all risk of illness or personal injury involved in IEM Cologne Major 2026 in which I participate. For and in consideration of permission to participate in IEM Cologne Major 2026, I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally forever release, discharge, indemnify, defend and hold harmless ESL Gaming GmbH, Schanzenstrasse 23, 51063 Köln, DE, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, the sponsors of IEM Cologne Major 2026, including the LANXESS Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln, Germany, and each of their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, members and agents (each, a “Released Party”) from any and all claims, losses, causes of action and liabilities of any kind, including attorneys’ fees for property damage or personal injury, arising out of or relating in any way to IEM Cologne Major 2026, including my own intentional or negligent acts or omissions. I voluntarily waive any claims that I might have against any Released Party, and I understand and agree that the Released Parties assume no responsibility or liability for any injury to persons or property, or lost, stolen or damaged property, that may occur during or resulting from IEM Cologne Major 2026. I further hereby agree that during IEM Cologne Major 2026, I shall conduct myself in an appropriate fashion and shall not heave poorly be performing harmful acts, using profanity, obscenity or any otherwise objectionable conduct towards any person or property involved with IEM Cologne Major 2026 or the LANXESS Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln. I recognize and understand that ESL reserves the right to require cessation of any such activity and ESL, in ESL’s sole discretion may require my removal from IEM Cologne Major 2026.

I agree that I have read and will follow all official event and tournament rules, which are posted on the official IEM Cologne Major 2026 website, https://pro.eslgaming.com/tour/cs/cologne/. I understand media attending the event, ESL/ EFG and/or other Released Parties may take photos and/or videos of IEM Cologne Major 2026 and in connection therewith, I hereby unconditionally authorize ESL and such other Released Parties to use, reuse, and to grant others the right to use and reuse, in any media, my name, photograph, likeness, voice and if made available by me, my biographical information.

I represent and warrant that I am at least 16 years of age, or that if I am not 16 years of ages, that the waiver is printed (from the IEM Cologne Major 2026 website) and is undersigned by a parent or guardian who has executed this Waiver and Release of Liability on my behalf. By Signature of such parent or guardian, the parent or guardian is binding the participant to all the terms of this Waiver and Release of Liability.

For any questions not answered in this FAQ, please reach out to your EFG point of contact. We will be more than happy to assist you!

More information about The Zone amenities and programming will be shared soon.

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