With just under three months to go until the Heineken Champions Cup Final at St James’ Park, EPCR can announce further details of what fans can look forward to in Newcastle on European Finals Weekend (May 10-11). Tickets are selling fast, so to avoid disappointment fans are urged to secure their place by clicking HERE. Supporters can expect a carnival atmosphere over the weekend with an official fan zone - the Champions Rugby Village - on Newcastle Quayside, as well as other activities throughout the city. The Champions Rugby Village will run from underneath the Tyne Bridge through to the Millennium Bridge and will be full of family-friendly activities, food and drink stalls, and a stage and big screen for entertainment. It will begin on the afternoon of Thursday, May 9 and be open between 11am and 11pm on both the Friday and Saturday, before a spectacular firework display will bring it, and the weekend, to a close at 11pm on Saturday, May 11. Newcastle 2019 is the fastest-selling Heineken Champions Cup final ever, with fans waiting for news of a further, limited release of tickets on general public sale as allocations for fans of finalist clubs are re-assessed throughout the season. Tickets for the European Rugby Challenge Cup final are also showing healthy sales and it is on course to be one of the best-attended finals ever. Before the weekend itself fans in the region will be able to get a slice of the action when the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup trophies embark on a tour of the region. Community groups, businesses, rugby clubs and schools will all be part of the Trophies Tour, which will take place from Saturday March 23 until Sunday April 14. https://twitter.com/ChampionsCup/status/1094961162964385792 Mick Hogan, the Newcastle 2019 Event Director, said at Monday’s press conference: “The excitement around the Newcastle 2019 Finals is really building now and the plans announced today will further enhance the experience for fans over the weekend. There’s no doubt that Newcastle will offer a world-class experience for visitors thanks to the location of St James’ Park right in the city centre.” Organisers have also revealed a local mascot for the finals weekend that will accompany the trophies and promote the finals moving forward. Harking back to Newcastle’s seafaring heritage and linking to the city’s coat of arms, the local mascot is a seahorse called Stephen. Rugby fans from across the region can play a key role in the finals and enhance the experience of visitors by volunteering during the finals weekend. Organisers are looking for 250 volunteers, known as ‘The Cast’, who will carry out a range of essential tasks to help make the weekend a success. Applications have opened today with interested individuals requested to email volunteers@newcastle-falcons.co.uk for further details. During, and in the run-up, to the Finals Weekend fans will also be able to make use of the official Newcastle 2019 app being specially designed to improve the fan experience. The app will provide navigation, as well as practical information about the city, fan village and stadium. EPCR Director General Vincent Gaillard said: “Newcastle is the latest ‘Destination Finals’ event for European club rugby and these various initiatives will not only engage the local community, but promise to also raise local excitement for the weekend in May. “The city of Newcastle is getting exposure through improved TV platforms for the tournaments – in the United Kingdom and across the world. With this programme, they can build a greater legacy closer to home.” 2019 Challenge Cup final: Friday 10 May; St James’ Park, Newcastle (19.45) 2019 Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday 11 May; St James’ Park, Newcastle (17.00)