BBBank Wildpark – construction description

The new stadium replaced an old Wildparkstadion, leaving the playing field intact. A total area of 7.5 hectares in the vast downtown park has been used, as a multi-discipline sports complex, by the community since 1922. There have been football pitches at that location. The decision to build a former Wildparkstadion was made in 1952, when two local clubs merged to create Karlsruher SC. The stadium was inaugurated in 1955, with several major renovations since. The most serious one began in November 2018, when the complete renovation of the facilities was commissioned by the city administration of Karlsruhe.

The auditorium has a uniform height of 40 rows, however all stands are divided into two levels by an internal promenade. It splits the sections to 10 rows of lower tier and 30 rows of the upper one, while allowing fans to walk around the stadium without losing track of the game. The full venue hosts up to 34,140 fans, including standard seats (19,117), standing section for home fans (9,586), standing area for away fans (2,658), wheelchair seats (103) and hospitality area (2,694). The ratio of standing seats to full capacity is approx. 36%.

Architecturally the stadium is quite simple, with key aesthetic features in the form of Y-shaped pillars, rhythmically surrounding the stands. In addition to a usual football experience, the new stadium offers Karlsruher SC as a tenant significantly improved marketing opportunities. Among new facilities are: over 40 skyboxes, event areas, fan shops, and modern offices. Total costs were estimated up to €143 million, and €11 million is subsidized by the state.

In 2021, according to the sponsorship agreement, the former Wildparkstadion was renamed to BBBank Wildpark. The city of Karlsruhe and KSC have jointly agreed a five-year partnership with BBBank. The deal includes the right to name and logo of the stadium, extensive presence on and in the stadium, on admission tickets and partner areas.

The new arena is expected to be built in phases, beginning with demolition of old curves and erection of temporary sections on both ends. Currently, it offers two already opened tribunes (east and north stand). The stadium is expected to be completed in summer 2023.