Ruhrstadion – design description

How can the Ruhrstadion modernisation project be summarised?

The modernisation of Ruhrstadion in Bochum, planned for 2026–2029, does not envisage any radical changes – the stadium is expected to retain its current form, with single-tier stands and its characteristic structural trusses.

Most of the changes will take place behind the stands, where a new VIP section will be created, along with additional food and beverage outlets and sanitary facilities. The seating capacity will be slightly increased to over 28,000, mainly through a higher share of standing areas.

The scope of works also includes the stadium’s surroundings – a carefully designed public square for supporters will be created behind the east stand, alongside a multi-storey car park.

The comprehensive refurbishment is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the facility, as well as the need to maintain its competitiveness and adapt it to modern standards. Completion of the works, scheduled for 2029, will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the “new” Ruhrstadion (following the reconstruction carried out between 1976 and 1979).

What does the Ruhrstadion look like?

The history of Ruhrstadion dates back to 1911, making it one of the oldest football venues in Germany. However, it only took on its current, football-specific form following a complete reconstruction carried out between 1976 and 1979.

The stadium is home to VfL Bochum. It features reinforced concrete stands supported by distinctive structural trusses – one of the most recognisable elements of its architecture. The venue currently has a capacity of 26,000 spectators.

When were the plans for the Ruhrstadion modernisation developed?

In 2021, VfL Bochum returned to the Bundesliga after an 11-year absence. In the same year, the club commissioned an analysis regarding the future of its ageing stadium.

A preliminary study, assessing the technical condition of the facility as well as various modernisation options, was carried out between 2021 and 2022 by Albert Speer + Partner (AS+P), in cooperation with Proprojekt and Canzler.

Among the options considered were both the expansion of the existing stadium and the construction of a completely new arena at a different location, although both variants were ultimately deemed unrealistic. Instead, the focus shifted to the modernisation of the existing Ruhrstadion, with the first concrete details of these plans emerging towards the end of 2023.

On 10 April 2024, the club held an information meeting at RuhrCongress Bochum regarding the stadium modernisation plans, where visualisations prepared by Albert Speer + Partner were presented for the first time.

In September 2024, the municipal company Bochumer Sportstätten Besitzgesellschaft mbH (BoSB mbH) was established and became the owner of the stadium. The city initially intended to allocate €70 million to the investment.

In summer 2025, the tender process for the stadium’s modernisation works began. The contract was awarded to Hellmich Unternehmensgruppe, which was announced upon signing the agreement on 30 March 2026.

On 28 April 2026, the club held another information event, presenting further details of the modernisation as well as updated renderings.

What do the Ruhrstadion modernisation plans include?

The plans do not envisage any radical interventions – the stadium is expected to retain its existing, original form. Most of the changes will take place in the back-of-house areas of the stands, particularly the main stand, where a completely new VIP section will be created.

A slight increase in seating capacity is also planned, up to 28,040 seats (from the current 26,000). This increase will be achieved mainly by raising the proportion of standing areas (which are intended to account for exactly half of all places) and by utilising previously closed-off sections.

The number of premium seats will also be increased (from 250 to 600), as will the number of ticketing points, food and beverage outlets, and sanitary facilities. In addition, the building’s technical infrastructure will be upgraded.

As part of the modernisation, the entire stadium will be refreshed, with one of the most visually distinctive changes being new blue-tinted glazing filling the space between the stands and the roof.

Significant changes are also planned in the stadium’s external areas. A new, attractively designed square is to be created behind the east stand, providing a meeting space for supporters on matchdays. In the vicinity of the new square (to the north of it, on the site of the current training pitch), a multi-storey car park for approximately 350 vehicles is planned. A new police station is also set to be built.

In addition to the stadium modernisation and changes to its surroundings, an expansion of the VfL Bochum academy training complex on Hiltroper Straße is also planned.

When will the Ruhrstadion modernisation take place?

The project is scheduled to be carried out in stages between 2026 and 2029. During the works, matches will continue to be played at the stadium, although capacity will be temporarily reduced due to ongoing construction – however, it is not expected to fall below 18,000 spectators.

Works are set to begin in September 2026 with the refurbishment of the main (north) stand. Renovation of the south stand is planned to start in early 2027. Completion of works on the north and south stands is scheduled for 2028. The roof of the main stand is also planned to be refurbished in summer 2028.

The redevelopment of the end stands (east and west) is expected to take place between 2028 and 2029.

Construction of a multi-storey car park next to the stadium is planned for 2026–2028, while the new square in front of the east stand is expected to be completed in 2028.

Completion of the overall modernisation, scheduled for 2029, will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the “new” Ruhrstadion following its complete reconstruction between 1976 and 1979.

The modernisation of Ruhrstadion will be financed by the city, although the club will have to account for an increase in rent for using the facility. The stadium refurbishment itself is expected to cost €91.9 million, with additional works requiring a further €30 million.