# 1. FC Köln season opening events > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/1-fc-kln-season-opening-events > Updated: 2026-08-01T22:02:11.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, 1. FC Köln announced a pre‑season test match against Real Sociedad and a tradition‑based "Torkonto" promotion that would see 3,330 liters of Gaffel Kölsch handed out to fans—one litre for each of the 30 home goals scored in the previous Bundesliga season. The club highlighted waste‑reduction measures as part of the celebration. On 1 August 2026 the team opened the 2026/27 season at the RheinEnergieSTADION. Free entry and a family‑friendly programme attracted roughly 40,000 supporters. Fans enjoyed autograph sessions with players from both the men’s and women’s squads, live music, and the club anthem. The event showcased new signing Gideon Mensah and marked head coach René Wagner’s first public appearance since his March appointment. Later that day Köln staged a large fan festival on the Vorwiesen, again drawing about 40,000 attendees. The free‑entry celebration featured a fan village, live music, autograph stations, the presentation of new kits and the streaming of the Real Sociedad friendly on MagentaSport and MagentaTV. Transfer activity intensified: the club set a €50 million price tag for forward Said El Mala, a sum Dortmund is said to reject, and submitted a loan offer for Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore. In the youth ranks, 21‑year‑old Malek El Mala remains under contract until 2030 but must prove himself in the Regionalliga before earning a senior role. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-01: 1. FC Köln readies for Bundesliga season with transfers and fan events 1. FC Köln prepares for the Bundesliga with a €50 m demand for Said El Mala, a loan bid for Mikey Moore, a fan festival for 40 k supporters, and a pre‑season match versus Real Sociedad. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/1-fc-kln-season-opener-attracts-40000-fans-in-cologne ### 2026-07-22: 1. FC Köln to Celebrate Season Opener with 3,330 L of Gaffel Kölsch for Fans 1. FC Köln will host Real Sociedad on Aug 8 2026 and hand out 3,330 L of Gaffel Kölsch to fans as part of its Torkonto tradition. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/1-fc-kln-to-celebrate-season-opener-with-3330-l-of-gaffel-klsch-for-fans --- Cite as: 1. FC Köln season opening events. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/1-fc-kln-season-opening-events