During construction work related to the expansion of a university located near the MEWA Arena stadium, a 500-kilogram explosive device from the United States Army dating back to World War II was discovered.

Disruptions before "life or death" match

Everything unfolded near MEWA Arena, a multifunctional stadium of 1. FSV Mainz 05. To detonate the bomb, approximately 4,600 residents in the vicinity were evacuated and had to leave their homes until the operation was completed. The footballers from Mainz remain safe, as they normally train at a facility located 3 kilometers away.

This coming Sunday, a match between 1. FSV Mainz and 1. FC Koeln will take place at the stadium. For the hosts, this is an incredibly important match as they are currently on the verge of relegation from the Bundesliga. It appears that everything will proceed as planned and the match will be played normally, with the situation remaining just an anecdote.

© Stephan Hoogerwaard

What else do the surroundings of the venue hold?

This is not the first bomb discovered during these construction works near the stadium in Mainz. Although not of this magnitude, a small incendiary bomb was found April 15, and subsequently neutralized with a small, controlled detonation that posed no threat to the public.

MEWA Arena was opened for use in 2011. This modern facility, with four independent stands connected only by the glass roof and façade, as well as a promenade around the stands, cost around €60 million. The single-level stands can accommodate over 34,000 spectators, including around 14,000 standing places. Aesthetically, the most significant features of the facility are the massive red "frames" that enclose each stand from the outside, which are illuminated at night.

© Coface Arena