BVB Stadion Dortmund – tournament stadium description

What matches will take place at BVB Stadion Dortmund during Euro 2024?

How BVB Stadion Dortmund compares to other Euro 2024 venues?

What is the history of BVB Stadion Dortmund?

Thinking about building a new stadium for Borussia began in the 1960s. The need for a new venue became even greater after Borussia won the Cup Winners' Cup in 1966. Initially, the city authorities were to be financially involved in the construction of the stadium.

The matter was unexpectedly helped by problems with the reconstruction of the stadium in Cologne, which led that city to lose its status as one of the hosts of the 1974 World Cup. Dortmund took over the role of organizer, so the construction of Borussia's new facility was also financially supported by the state and federal authorities.

The facility was built between 1971 and 1974 and inaugurated on April 2, 1974. The stadium was constructed right next to the previous Borussia venue (Stadion Rote Erde). That stadium still exists today, although with its huge neighbor it now gives the impression of a mere training facility.

The new stadium received four single-level covered stands, with no built-up corners (where four floodlight masts stood). The initial capacity of the stadium was 54,000 spectators, although such a high number was due to the lack of individual seats.

Originally, the facility looked much more modest than it does today, and its modern, almost gigantic form was achieved through systematic expansion, which took place in several phases at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The first major expansion of the stadium was carried out between 1995 and 1999. First, the second floor of the stands along the pitch (east and west) was added, and in Phase II the stands behind the goals were also enlarged. In the case of the south stand, which is home to Borussia's most passionate fans, it was not decided to divide it into two floors. After the expansion, the stadium's capacity increased to 68,600 spectators.

The second major expansion took place between 2002 and 2003 (in connection with the 2006 World Cup), at which time the corners were built up, increasing the capacity to more than 80,000 spectators. Eight distinctive yellow pylons appeared on the outside, supporting the roof (they replaced the previous supports that stood in the corners). During the works a 450-pound unexploded shell from World War II was found under the stadium.

What events has BVB Stadium Dortmund hosted so far?

Among other events, the stadium hosted matches of the 1974 World Cup, the 2006 World Cup, as well as the thrilling UEFA Cup final in 2001 between FC Liverpool and Deportivo Alavés, which ended with a score of 5–4 after a golden, own goal in extra time.

The stadium hosts some games the German national football team, which was undefeated at the stadium until the semifinal against Italy at the 2006 World Cup, lost 0–2 after extra time. The stadium has also hosted boxing fights, concerts and other events.

The day-to-day host is, of course, Borussia Dortmund (BVB). Among Borussia's most exciting matches for fans are the Ruhr derby against FC Schalke 04, as well as games against Bayern Munich.

What does BVB Stadion Dortmund look like?

The stadium, although devoid of architectural fireworks, is impressive in its size. The facility also has a consistent, closed form, although inside one can see traces of successive expansions. Borussia's colors, black and yellow, are omnipresent.

With a capacity of 81,365 spectators, the stadium ranks among the largest in Europe, and is also the largest in Germany, although it should be taken into account that its capacity in a seated-only configuration drops significantly (to about 66,000 spectators). The facility is also among the top in Europe in terms of average attendance at league matches.

Aside from the one-story Südtribüne (the stand behind the south goal, home of the ultras), the stands are two-story, although the location of the floor division varies; the stands along the pitch have a much larger lower level, the opposite is true for the stand behind the north goal. The spaces under the stands are all developed.

The stadium's stands are fully covered. The roof on the outside is supported by eight distinctive yellow pylons and slopes inward at a slight angle. Since 2011, there are photovoltaic panels on the roof, which are arranged in the north stand to form the Borussia logo.

What is the name of Dortmund's stadium?

The stadium was originally called Westfalenstadion (Westphalia Stadium) and is customarily called that to this day. However, in 2005 it gained a title sponsor and was given the commercial name Signal Iduna Park. During the Euro 2024, the stadium will be called BVB Stadion Dortmund.

What interesting facts are associated with BVB Stadion Dortmund?

• A unique feature of Borussia's facility is the Südtribüne (south stand), also known as Die gelbe Wand (the yellow wall). The stand offers standing room only and is the only one in the stadium not divided into floors. Its capacity is 24,454 spectators and is the largest standing grandstand of its kind in Europe. The Südtribüne, 40 meters high and sloping at a 37-degree angle, is home to Borussia's staunchest fans and is famous for its fervent atmosphere
• The name of the stadium, Westfalenstadion, was chosen through a poll conducted by the Westfälische Rundschau newspaper. The name was well received, but in the early 2000s financial problems prompted Borussia to seek a title sponsor
• In the run-up to Christmas, the Westfalenstadion, like many other German stadiums, hosts a joint caroling event. In 2023, 73,056 people attended the event, breaking a world record in the process

Where is the BVB Stadion Dortmund located?

The stadium is located less than 3 km south of Dortmund's inner city, adjacent to the Messe Dortmund exhibition center. It is close to the Dortmund Signal-Iduna-Park train station and the Westfalenhallen high-speed train station. Just behind the east stand is Borussia's previous venue, the Stadion Rote Erde.