Germany: Liverpool to arrive for opening of BBBank Wildpark

17.06.2023 14:16 source: StadiumDB.com; author: Mateusz Osmola

The full opening of the home venue of 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher S.C. is fast approaching and is expected to take place as early as next month. For the occasion, one of Europe's most successful clubs in recent years, Liverpool FC will be coming to Germany to play an exhibition match against the hosts of the new arena.

Construction of BBBank Wildpark on its final stretch

The modernisation of the arena where Karlsuhrer S.C. footballers play on a daily basis began in November 2018. A brand new structure replaced the run-down Wildparkstadion, which was inaugurated back in 1955. BBBank Wildpark, as the facility is called thanks to a sponsorship agreement signed in 2021, was built in stages, starting with the demolition of the old arches and the erection of temporary stands at both ends. Last season, three stands on the north, south and east sides were already available for fans to attend.

BBBank Wildpark © Timo

The main stand on the west side is still to be opened. This is expected to happen very soon, and Karlsruher authorities say that the construction of the stadium is now at such an advanced stage that all involved in the project - the municipality, the contractor and the club - are confident that the facility, including the west stand, can be fully operational for the opening match. The fixture is scheduled for July 19, with the decorated visitors coming to Karlsruhe.

Liverpool will headline the arena's inauguration

The 19-time English champions will come to southern Germany to play a friendly match against the hosts BBBank Wildpark. It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. Karlsruher SC managing director Michael Becker said: The entire KSC family, the City of Karlsruhe and the entire region are looking forward to the opening of the new BBBank Wildpark. We are very pleased that, together with our partner Onside, we have succeeded in finding a top international club in Liverpool FC for this historic event. With its emotional history and passionate fans, the traditional club Liverpool FC fits perfectly with our current motto - DAS FußballERLEBNIS der Region (The Football Experience of the Region - ed.).

The redevelopment of the BBBank Wildpark cost €123 million. After modernisation, the facility will be able to accommodate 34,000 people. The work was originally scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2022, but the date of the arena's commissioning has been postponed by a year.