During the AIL Arena’s opening weekend, the Club welcomed some very special guests from El Salvador, who were part of an initiative made possible through a collaboration with the Leading Partner, Lugano’s Plan B.
The trip to Lugano was the prize for the Plan B Forum El Salvador Contest, an initiative promoted by FC Lugano together with Lugano’s Plan B during the Plan B Forum in San Salvador, an international event dedicated to Bitcoin, blockchain and technological innovation.
During the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Forum, the Club was present with a bianconero stand, where participants were able to take part in various fun and interactive football-themed activities, including ball skills games and challenges designed to introduce the international audience to the world of FC Lugano.
A BIANCONERA
EXPERIENCE The competition resulted in the selection of three winners, each accompanied by a guest, making a total of six participants. Arriving in Lugano on the evening of Thursday 28 May, the guests enjoyed a stay designed to help them discover the region and, at the same time, experience the Bianconera spirit.
During their time in Ticino, the group visited the centre of Lugano, went on an excursion to Monte Brè, explored Bellinzona and its market, before experiencing the highlight of the trip: the opening of the new AIL Arena to the public.
THE GREETING ON STAGE
On Sunday 31 May, on the second day of the Opening Weekend, the contest winners took part in the AIL Arena Self Tour, discovering the most iconic areas of the bianconeri’s new home for the first time.
What made the day even more special was the brief greeting on the main stage of the Fan Village. Visibly moved, the guests from El Salvador managed to say a few words in Italian too, creating a moment that was particularly appreciated by the audience.
The day then continued with a boat trip on Lake Lugano and lunch in Caprino, before returning to the city and setting off in the early hours of Monday 1 June to head back to El Salvador.
A BRIDGE BETWEEN LUGANO AND SAN SALVADOR
The initiative provided a special opportunity to strengthen the bond between the Club, Lugano’s Plan B and an international community that is growing ever closer to the bianconero world.
From the Plan B Forum in San Salvador to the AIL Arena, the winners’ journey once again demonstrated FC Lugano’s ability to forge connections that extend beyond the pitch and aim to unite sport, the local area, tourism and passion.