Deutsche Bank Park – stadium description

Previously known as Waldstadion (Forest Stadium) it still bares its name among fans. After all, it still stands surrounded with trees. When built in 1925 it had numerous functions, not only the sporting ones (football pitch and athletics track were both in place). During nazi governing it was a place of political events. The ground hosted biggest tournaments in Europe (Euro 1988) and the World (1974 and 2006 World Cups).

Before the latter event it was revamped completely. Between 2002 and 2005 all stands were demolished and then replaced with new construction worth some €150 mln. Two-tiered stands hold over 50,000 fans in German games and slightly less when international rules (no standing room) apply. But the most characteristic feature is its retractable roof. Light membrane lies on steel ropes which are also the base of the retractable part done by GMP Architekten and SBP engineers. Prior to 2006 World Cup it was widely criticized as the roof didn’t work efficiently back then, letting some rainfall inside. This was later fixed, though.

Currently the arena also Has different uses. One of Germany’s most popular clubs, Eintracht Frankfurt, play their home games there. American football also comes to the stadium (like the final German Bowl 2010) and in 2011 Women’s World Cup was also played here, including the final game.

Between 2022 and 2023, the stadium underwent its first redevelopment since 2005. The subject of the upgrade was the stand behind the north-west goal, which seats Eintracht's most ardent supporters. The upper tier of this stand was extended with additional rows in the lower section, at the expense of removing the boxes and balconies located between the upper and lower tiers of the stand. Combined with the replacement of the seats in the upper tier of this stand with standing room, this increased the capacity of the stadium from 51,500 to 58,000 spectators.

How Deutsche Bank Park compares to other Bundesliga stadiums?