Host ARC
01|Why cities choose ARC

One event.
Four returns.

A single event can deliver economic return, global visibility, city branding and community engagement — all at once.

02|Economic impact

Value that stays
in the city

01

Visitor economy

Visitor economy

Air racing can turn the Host City into a destination event, attracting visitors and supporting local spending across tourism, hospitality and local commerce.

02

Business opportunities

Business opportunities

A platform connecting Host Cities with international brands, aviation leaders and investors, opening opportunities for partnerships and business.

03

Local supply chain

Local supply chain

Each event can mobilise local suppliers across logistics, production, security, transport and technical services, helping retain value within the host economy.

04

Hospitality

Hospitality

Premium hospitality creates a high-value environment for sponsors, investors, government representatives and international guests.

05

Employment

Employment

Temporary and specialist employment while strengthening local capabilities in aviation, tourism and event delivery.

06

Media value

Media value

Broadcast, press and digital coverage can place the Host City in front of international audiences.

07

Destination promotion

Destination promotion

Iconic urban and waterfront settings become part of the race narrative, promoting the destination internationally.

Proof · Porto Air Race Showcase 2026Reported by ARC
0Spectators on the Douro
0TV viewers · TVI
0Content views
0Interactions
03|Race environment

Every course is
designed for its venue

The elements of an ARC course are always the same — chicane pylons, dual buoys, the air gate and three timers. Their layout is designed for each venue by ARC’s technical team, after assessing the airspace, waterway or coastal geometry with the Host City.

Porto 2026 race course on the Douro river
Jardins do
Palácio de Cristal
Torre dos
Clérigos
Ponte
D. Luís I
Miradouro da
Serra do Pilar
Dual
buoy #1
Dual
buoy #2
Dual
buoy #3
Chicane
pylon 1
Chicane
pylon 2
Chicane
pylon 3
Air
gate
StartFinishTimer #1Timer #2Timer #3Control
tower
ARC official
store
Porto 2026 · Douro river

Water, coast or land — wherever the geometry allows it.

On water

Water

  • River
  • Lake
  • Sea
ARC precedents: Porto 2026 · Lisbon 2016 · Montargil 2023
Shoreline

Coast

  • Bay
  • Waterfront
  • Beach
ARC precedent: Oeiras 2022
On land

Land

  • Airport
  • Open field
  • Racetrack
ARC precedent: Ponte de Sor 2017 · 2024

Custom fit — every layout is subject to a feasibility assessment. Photos are placeholders.

04|Event formats

Two formats.
One show.

A one-day city showcase or a full championship round — and either one can come with a public show programme around it.

1Day

City Showcase

Lower investment and ideal for a first edition — the city becomes the stage for a one-day air racing showcase.

  • Lower investment
  • Ideal first edition
3Days

Championship Race

A full championship round: free practice, timed practice and qualifying, then warm-up and race day.

  • Free practice
  • Timed practice
  • Qualifying
  • Warm-up
  • Race day
+Add-on

Public Show

Combinable with either format, as agreed with each city.

  • Race
  • Innovation
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • STEM
  • Drone shows
  • Family
05|Host city branding

Your skyline.
Our pylons.

A branding matrix distinguishing exclusive Host City visibility from shared championship and commercial partner branding — so each city knows exactly where and how its destination will be promoted.

Edge 540 racing past an ARC pylon in front of Porto
Porto · the city skyline framed by ARC pylons

Media & digital 12

  • Official event title (e.g. Porto Air Race) used across all communications.

  • Featured on the official season calendar, website and promotional materials.

  • Dedicated event logo combining the Air Race Championship identity with the Host City name.

  • City branding on the race, inflatable pylons, start/finish area and key visuals.

  • Featured in TV opening titles, lower thirds, maps and race graphics.

  • City identified throughout the international broadcast and official commentary.

  • Dedicated Host City page on the Air Race Championship website with destination content.

  • Destination-focused campaign before, during and after the event.

  • Iconic aerial imagery of aircraft over the city’s landmarks for global media use.

  • Promotional videos highlight the Host City alongside the championship.

  • Integrated into international press releases, media kits and briefings.

  • Joint campaign promoting the city as a tourism, investment and innovation destination.

On site & legacy 10

  • City represented through official protocols, cultural performances and civic participation.

  • City branding throughout VIP lounges, business networking and hospitality areas.

  • Showcase local innovation, universities, startups and the aerospace ecosystem.

  • Branded uniforms featuring the Air Race Championship and Host City identities.

  • Host City branding across directional signage, spectator areas and fan zones.

  • Dedicated destination activation area promoting tourism, culture and local experiences.

  • Welcome branding for arrival teams, media, partners and international guests.

  • Co-branded merchandise featuring the Air Race Championship and Host City identities.

  • Permanent digital assets, highlight films and photography for future city promotion.

  • Continued visibility through race highlights, season reviews and legacy storytelling.

Key benefits for host cities

  1. 01

    Global exposure

    Global destination exposure through international media and digital platforms.

  2. 02

    Aerial imagery

    Unique aerial imagery showcasing iconic landmarks.

  3. 03

    Innovation

    Strong association with innovation, aviation, technology and sustainability.

  4. 04

    Tourism appeal

    Increased tourism appeal before, during and after the event.

  5. 05

    Positioning

    Enhanced international positioning for investment and talent attraction.

  6. 06

    Content library

    A long-term library of premium visual content for future destination marketing.

06|Partnership model

A clear division
of roles

The Air Race Championship partnership model brings together the championship and the Host City through a clear division of responsibilities, combining international sporting expertise with local infrastructure, services and institutional support.

Air Race Championship provides
  • Championship
  • Pilots
  • Aircraft
  • TV
  • Operations
  • Race management
  • Branding
+
Host City provides
  • Venue
  • Local infrastructure
  • Local services
  • Public authorities
  • Event support
07|Selection process & calendar

From first contact
to race day

Host city selection process

  1. Expression of interest
  2. Strategic assessment
  3. Technical evaluation
  4. Site visit
  5. Commercial alignment
  6. Host city selection
  7. Official announcement
Quarter 1Expressions of interest
Quarter 2Technical evaluation
Quarter 3Site inspections
Quarter 4Host city announcement

4-step
fast-track

Months prior to race day — from the first letter of intent to the official calendar.

121110987654321Race
Phase 1
12 – 10 months prior

Initial pitch & vision

Host City submits an official Letter of Intent (LOI). Initial alignment on municipal goals such as sustainability, tourism, EV transition and city landmark backdrops.

Phase 2
10 – 8 months prior

Feasibility & track design

ARC track engineers and the local promoter conduct site visits to evaluate venue feasibility. Preliminary track designs are mapped in compliance with Aviation Authority safety parameters.

Phase 3
6 – 4 months prior

Financial & legal structuring

Drafting and finalisation of the commercial agreement: host fees, local-government funding, sponsorship alignment, paddock infrastructure and event security planning.

Phase 4
4 – 3 months prior

Authorisation & calendar inclusion

The circuit design is sent to the aviation authorities for final authorisation. The race is placed on the official ARC calendar and communication platforms.

08|Hospitality & VIP

The race as
a business stage

Race day becomes the backdrop for high-value business, bringing together government delegations, investors and sponsors in premium hospitality spaces overlooking the race course.

Host ARC

Start a host city
conversation

Tell us about your city, its waterfront or venue, and the dates you have in mind. Our team will come back with formats, feasibility steps and the next milestones.

Thank you — our host cities team will be in touch.

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