Football fans across the world might have noticed that this weekend’s Champions League final is set to kick-off at an odd time. The showpiece contest in Budapest between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain is starting at 5pm UK time on Saturday, May 30.A change has been made to this season’s Champions League finalGettyThis means that the game at the Puskas Arena will be starting three hours earlier than usual, with the final typically getting going at 8pm.The Champions League final has been held on a Saturday every year since 2010, with an 8pm kick-off the norm.So, as millions of people around the world prepare to watch the final, why has UEFA made this change?Here, talkSPORT.com investigates.Why is the Champions League final kicking off at 5pm this Saturday?The change in the Champions League final kick-off time has been made to improve fans’ experiences.That is according to UEFA, who said the change would ‘enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities.’The governing body state that they are aiming to make the matchday enjoyable for fans and create a ‘welcoming atmosphere’ for families and children to attend the game.This change may come after fan troubles before and after the final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris in 2022.UEFA also reference the travelling supporters at the final, with the earlier kick-off allowing for easier access to public transport, particularly after the match. And also after the big game, UEFA believe the 5pm start will allow fans to continue their celebrations, which will provide an economic boost to the host city.Broadcasting has been considered too, with the earlier kick-off opening the door for more coverage worldwide and to a younger audience. Arsenal are looking to win their first-ever Champions League to complete what would be a historic double for the clubGettyPSG are looking to defend the trophy they brilliantly claimed last year with a thumping 5-0 win over Inter MilanGettyUEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said on the significant switch: “With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning.“The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved.“While a 21:00CET (20:00GMT) kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish – regardless of extra time or penalties – and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season.”The Executive Director for Football Supporters Europe, Ronan Evain, has also commented on the big change. Evain said: “This is a welcome step forward for match-going fans that we very much support. “Over the last couple of years, Football Supporters Europe has worked closely with UEFA to improve the fan experience at club finals, and this change further reflects the recognition of supporters’ needs. “An earlier kick-off makes day trips more feasible, reduces travel stress, and allows fans to enjoy the occasion without worrying about late-night logistics. “It’s a practical improvement that puts fans first and continues to build on the progress already made to enhance the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and service levels at UEFA finals.”Arsenal have a big parade planned in North London the day after the Champions League final, where they hope to have two trophies to show offGettyChampions League final: How to followtalkSPORT will have live coverage of the showpiece game, with Adrian Durham presenting the action in Budapest.Commentary will be coming from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce. To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.talkSPORT.com will be running a dedicated live blog of the final too.The game will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, but for the first time in 34 years it won’t be free to air in the UK.Ever since they acquired the rights in 2015, TNT Sports has allowed all fans to watch the action free of charge each year, while before that, the games were broadcast free-to-air on ITV. Instead, this year, fans will have to sign up to HBO Max for £4.99 or TNT Sports for £31.99 per month to tune in. The decision to change this tradition is reported to have angered UEFA, with all three European finals requiring payment to watch, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on TNT Sports to reverse their decision.