Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld – historical stadium description

The ground was built in Jena back in 1924, just be Saale river bank. And quite literally so, closest part of the venue is some 5 meters from water! Over the years it belonged to Erns Abbe Stiftung, a foundation named after ground’s patron, local entrepreneur and scientist, co-owner of Carl Zeiss’s optical company. Since 1991 it belongs to the municipality, however, and this is when major works started. In 1995 floodlights were renovated, originally installed in 1974. And in 1997 original wooden benches from 1924 (!) were replaced by new stands.

Today the venue holds just over 12,500 people of whom just over 50% have individual seats. There are two larger stand along the pitch (main one covered) and two lower on the curves. Though today the capacity isn’t all too impressive, in 1962 some 27,500 people watched local side fight Atletico Madrid in Cup Winners’ Cup semifinal.