Veltins Arena (Arena auf Schalke)
Capacity | 62 271 |
---|---|
54,740 (Capacity for international games) | |
43,288 (Seats) | |
16,214 (Standing places) | |
2,320 (VIP seats) | |
Country | Germany |
City | Gelsenkirchen |
Clubs | FC Schalke 04 |
Inauguration | 13.08.2001 (Schalke - Borussia Dortmund 0-0) |
Construction | 1998-2001 |
Cost | 191 mln € |
Design | Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner |
Contractor | BAM Sports |
Address | Ernst-Kuzorra-Weg 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen |
Others | retractable roof, retractable pitch |
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Veltins Arena – stadium description
In early 90’s the club was hoping for a chance to build a new ground to move from old Parkstadion. Success in 1997UEFA Cup and upcoming centenary of Schalke made the decision faster and in 1998 construction started. By 2001 the new arena was ready at a cost of € 191 mln. Initially called Arena auf Schalke it is still often referred to with that name despite it not being correct in German. This came from Polish people attending Schalke. For commercial reasons the name was later changed to Veltins Arena.
Regarded as one of the most modern stadiums worldwide this venue is equipped with retractable roof over the pitch to make it less weather-dependant. However for pitch quality to remain high the whole playing field is based on a retractable platform that slides out of the bowl for proper lighting. These factors have influenced cost, seen as high at the time of construction.
During World Cup 2006 four group games were played here and one quarterfinal. Day-to-day use is provided by Schalke 04 who make the most of their games by almost always selling out tickets and being in European top 10 in terms of attendance. Sometimes also international games are played here as well as speedway races (Grand Prix of Germany), hockey games (World Cup 2010), boxing galas or even biathlon events in winter time.
How Veltins Arena compares to other Bundesliga stadiums?
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Pictures
26.06.2016 © Walter Koch (cc: by-sa) 03.10.2013 © Frank Vincentz (cc: by-sa) 27.10.2013 © Andreas Dinn 03.06.2010 © Wo st01 (cc: by-sa) 22.07.2007 © Delos7 30.10.2012 © Franz Wegener 25.09.2014 © Uwe richter (cc: by-nd) 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 22.07.2007 © Delos7 26.10.2013 © Frank Bialkowski 31.10.2014 © Bastian Sander (cc: by-nc-nd) 22.02.2015 © hnns_schtt 03.08.2011 © hnns_schtt 22.02.2015 © hnns_schtt 02.08.2014 © hnns_schtt 30.08.2014 © Marcel Dinkelberg 31.08.2013 © Michael Kuiper
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