Holstein-Stadion – stadium description

It stands in the same location since 1911, making it one of the older venues in Germany. Initially with a single wooden stand, it was renovated and expanded first in 1922 after a tornado damaged the structure. Later in 1927 running track was added and by 1943 capacity already stood at 18,000.

However bombings during WWII damaged the ground, causing repairs until 1950. This was when the new main stand was opened. By 1957 the stadium already had first floodlight system and capacity of even 30,000, mostly terraced.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, three stands have been rebuilt at the stadium, leaving only the main stand dating from 1950. This also transformed the venue into a football-specific stadium following the removal of the running track.

However, these changes were of a temporary nature and did not meet the ambitions of either the club or the city, although they did allow the minimum licensing requirements to be fulfilled. As a result, after years of efforts, a comprehensive redevelopment project was developed, befitting a state (Land) capital and a club aspiring to play in the Bundesliga.

The plan envisages a complete redevelopment of the stadium, to be carried out in four phases. The first phase began after the end of the 2025/26 season, with full completion of the project scheduled for September 2030.

The Holstein-Stadion redevelopment project and construction updates can be found on separate subpages