Trophy Tour in New York City – Taking the trophies across the Atlantic

What was the idea behind this trip? 

Carro: Since I’ve been in here at Bayer 04, we’ve placed an emphasis on initiatives and activations in target markets abroad whenever we can. We felt that at the start of the season, it was a good opportunity for us to share the celebration of last year’s titles with our friends at Bayer North America, as well as with partners and fans in the New York area with a series of events. The visit allows us to tell the Bundesliga new titleholder story to new fans and spread the euphoria first-hand of last year’s campaign. Alongside we represent the League in one of its most important markets.   

What is the agenda of your trip? 

Carro: There’s a series of events starting with a Town Hall gathering at Bayer headquarters which is in northern New Jersey. We will formally present our three trophies there. After all, Bayer employees naturally share our success. There will be a “Bayer Champions Night” reception planned with high level business partners, and I will also visit the Bundesliga International office for meetings and media appointments. During our game at Hoffenheim, Bayer 04 fans will gather at a Biergarten in Brooklyn to view the trophies, take photos, and watch Matchday 3 on the big screen.

Sounds like busy days. Will you be sitting next to the trophies on the flight over? 

Carro: That’s a very good question, we would probably have a lot of people asking for photos on the flight -- but for precaution and care during travel, all three will go over a day or two earlier and will be picked up by Bayer security to keep a close watch on the silverware!

Do you have a favorite of the three? 

Carro: Each of them is special in their own way and you love them all – the long history of the DFB Pokal, the tough season-long competition to win the Meisterschale and of course, the incredible finish of how we won the Supercup last month. If I would have to choose, I’d take the Meisterschale. For this title, Bayer 04 and its fans have waited all of its 120 year history. That’s a fantastic achievement – and will be forever.

Why the United States? 

Carro: We had a very successful trip there in November 2022 playing in front of a sold-out crowd in St. Louis to open their new stadium. I remember that during this journey, Simon Rolfes, Xabi Alonso and I spent a lot of time working on future adjustments on our squad. So in the end, it had an important and initial impact on the success of last season.  On that trip, we worked with Bayer Crop Sciences and, for this one, we have started a promising partnership with Bayer Consumer Health. The U.S. is a destination for obvious reasons with the Bayer Company’s broad presence here, with its large, growing fan base and the fact that it will be the center of global football in the 2026 World Cup. 

Do you have a favorite spot in New York City? 

Carro: No, but I definitely looking forward to make a stop at MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final in two years. And since I like places from where you have broad and nice views, New York City with all its skyscrapers is a great spot to be.