The final of the men's Champions League is moving forward three hours to a 6 p.m. kickoff in central Europe, (12 p.m. E.T.).
UEFA said the new time is better for families and children to attend and watch on television, use public transport after the game, and for fans to party post-match in host cities. The earlier start will be used at the next final on May 30 at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
The 9 p.m. local kickoff time in recent years meant a game going to extra time and a penalty shootout finished barely before midnight.
- Champions League draw: a reminder of how the new format works
- Transfer rumors, news: Follow ESPN's daily live blog
- Grading biggest completed transfers of the summer window
"The new kickoff time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting wind