Craig PornoreyFootball has always brought people together. But now, it’s also filling up apartments, homes, and guest rooms across Europe. Whenever there’s a big game, thousands of fans show up — not just for the match, but to stay the weekend. This rush has quietly changed how short-term rentals work, especially in cities with popular clubs.
So let’s take a look at how football matches are driving up bookings, changing prices, and even reshaping travel trends in small towns and big cities alike.
Match Day Spikes in Booking Rates
Whenever there’s a football match in town, short-term rental bookings shoot up fast. Fans come in early, stay a night or two, and leave after the game — and that’s enough to fill up hotels and Airbnbs in no time.
“If the match is between two big clubs or part of a major tournament, rooms are often booked weeks in advance. Prices also go up during this time. It’s basic supply and demand — more people means higher rates,” adds Peter J. Product Owner of Fanpass.
Locals who rent out their homes have started to plan around these match days, adjusting prices to match the crowd.
For many, it’s become a smart way to earn extra income, especially in cities with regular games.
Seasonal Demand Around Football Calendars
Football in Europe isn’t just a weekend thing—it runs on a full calendar. From local leagues to Champions League nights, there’s always something happening. And as the football season moves, so does rental demand.
Cities see a wave of fans during key match periods — especially from August to May. During off-season months like June or July, bookings slow down unless there’s a summer tournament or friendly matches. Hosts who keep an eye on these schedules can prepare better and make the most of the busy months.
Sumeer Kaur, Founder of Punjabi Suits, mentions, “Football has quietly turned into a seasonal travel trend that keeps the rental market moving almost all year long.”
Rental Price Inflation Near Stadiums
Properties close to football stadiums are gold when it comes to match days. Whether it’s a small flat just a walk away or a larger home nearby, the closer the stay, the higher the price. Many hosts now use flexible pricing tools that let them raise rates based on match schedules.
If it’s a big game — like a derby or a knockout round — prices can double or even triple for that weekend. Fans are often willing to pay more just to be near the action, skip the travel, and soak in the atmosphere. For landlords and Airbnb hosts, this is now a regular part of planning — games mean business, and the closer you are, the more you earn.
Jake Smith, Founder of Absolute Reg, notes, “Location is everything on match day. If you’re within walking distance of the stadium, you’re not just renting out space — you’re selling convenience, energy, and experience.”
Rise of Game Weekend Packages
With football tourism growing, some hosts are going beyond just offering a place to sleep. Now, they’re putting together full weekend packages around the match. A typical “game weekend” offer might include a 2- or 3-night stay, early check-in, tips on the best fan zones, and sometimes even a stadium tour or match ticket support.
Some places go the extra mile — decorating rooms with club colors or offering match-day snacks and drinks. This kind of hosting makes the experience more special for fans, especially those flying in from other countries. It’s also a smart move for hosts looking to stand out in a crowded rental market.
Shift in Tourist Profiles
Not long ago, most short-term guests were families or casual tourists. But match weekends have changed that. Now, it’s common to see groups of friends, fan clubs, or even solo travelers booking stays just to see their team play. These guests usually don’t stay long — one or two nights ma — but they come with clear plans: match, pub, maybe a quick city tour. This shift has also changed how hosts prepare.
Some remove fragile items, add more beds, or offer local fan guides. It’s not bad — it just means the type of traveler is different. For hosts, knowing who’s coming makes it easier to offer the right setup and avoid any surprises.
Stephen Babcock, Founder & CEO of CampAlibi.com, adds, “Match-day travelers are high-energy, purpose-driven guests. When hosts tailor the experience to fit that vibe — from flexible check-ins to local pub tips — it turns a quick stay into a great analysis.”
Local Hosts Adapting to Football Crowds
People renting out their homes are getting smart about football fans. Many now mention things like “10 mins from the stadium” or “perfect for matchday” right in their listings. Some decorate with team scarves, offer directions to the stadium, or include nearby pub lists.
These small touches make fans feel welcome — and they help listings stand out. Others go further, timing check-in and check-out around game schedules or offering flexible rules for late arrivals.
Julian Lloyd Jones, from Casual Fitters, explains, “Matchday guests aren’t looking for luxury — they’re looking for convenience and atmosphere. If your place feels like part of the experience, they’ll choose it over something generic every time.”
Higher Occupancy in Secondary Cities
Big clubs aren’t always based in famous cities. Some play in smaller towns — like Atalanta in Bergamo or Villarreal in Spain. These places don’t get as many tourists during the year, but when the team has a big game, everything changes.
Fans pour in, hotels sell out, and locals with extra space start renting.
Bill McCormick, President of NRT Specialty Trailers, says, “Matches, especially against top teams or in European competitions, bring in both local and international guests. This kind of demand can help smaller towns earn from tourism and get noticed by people who may not have visited otherwise.”
For hosts in these areas, football season can feel like a second high season.
Growth of Fan-Focused Rental Platforms
As football tourism grows, so do platforms built just for fans. These websites help fans find stays near stadiums, connect with local supporters, or even match up with other travelers to share costs.
Some also offer extras — like rides to the match or local fan events. This kind of setup makes the experience feel more organized and safe, especially for those traveling to new cities.
While big platforms like Airbnb still lead, these smaller, football-focused options are slowly building a space for fans who want more than just a room — they want the full matchday vibe. For hosts, listing on these platforms is a new way to reach their ideal guest.
Dan Close, Founder and CEO at We Purchase Houses in Kentucky, points out, “When a platform speaks directly to what a traveler is really looking for — like the full game-day experience — it builds instant trust. That’s a big win for both fans and hosts.”
Post-Match Party & Noise Concerns
Football fans bring energy — and sometimes, that energy lasts long after the match ends. In some cities, hosts have started to worry about noise, late-night parties, or even minor damage during big match weekends. It’s not always a problem, but it happens enough that many hosts now set clear house rules for game days.
“Hosting fans can be great for business, but it only works if there are clear boundaries. A few simple rules can protect your property and keep the neighborhood happy — without killing the vibe,” says Clive Gray, from London Analysis of Suit Tailors.
Some limit group bookings or raise the deposit for stays during high-risk fixtures. Others add quiet hours or use noise monitoring devices to avoid complaints from neighbors.
In areas with lots of rentals near stadiums, local councils are also stepping in — setting limits on party-size bookings or late-night noise. For hosts, it’s about balance: welcoming fans while keeping things calm and respectful. After all, a good guest leaves a five-star analysis— and a clean room.
Wrap Up
All in all, football has quietly changed the way people book short stays across Europe. What used to be just matchday fun is now a big part of travel and rental trends. Fans come, cities get busier, prices go up, and locals earn more.
But it’s not all smooth — hosts still have to manage noise, last-minute guests, and the ups and downs of the season. Still, for many, the benefits are worth it. As long as football brings people together, it’ll keep driving bookings, filling homes, and making matchday weekends a win for more than just the teams.
