Südstadion
Cologne, Germany
Franz Kremer Stadion
Cologne Germany
The Franz-Kremer-Stadion is a traditional football stadium located in the Sülz district of Cologne, Germany. Situated in the heart of the RheinEnergieSportpark, it serves as the primary home ground for 1. FC Köln’s U21 team and the highly successful women’s Bundesliga team. With a capacity of 5,457 (including 1,900 seated), the stadium is named after the club’s legendary founding president, Franz Kremer. It is widely regarded as the spiritual home of the club’s youth development, where many of Cologne’s greatest stars first made their mark.
Von Petruz - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Capacity
5.457
History of the Venue
Opened in the early 1970s, the Franz-Kremer-Stadion was built to serve as the competitive centerpiece of the club’s training headquarters, the Geißbockheim. Unlike the massive RheinEnergieStadion nearby, this venue was designed for the club’s development squads and amateur teams. Over the years, it has become a symbol of 1. FC Köln’s tradition. The stadium underwent significant modernization in 2005 and 2007 to meet the requirements of the Regionalliga and the Women’s Bundesliga, ensuring it remains a professional-grade facility while preserving its intimate, historic character.
Architecture and Design
The stadium features a classic German amateur-level design, dominated by a main grandstand (the « Haupttribüne ») which is fully covered and provides seating for nearly 2,000 spectators. The rest of the stadium consists of open-air standing terraces (Stehplätze) that wrap around the pitch, a feature that creates a traditional grassroots football atmosphere. The stadium is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Beltbelt park system, and its proximity to the Geißbockheim—the club’s administrative and training center—means that professional and youth football exist side-by-side.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The matchday experience at the Franz-Kremer-Stadion is authentic and close-knit. For women’s Bundesliga matches, the atmosphere is family-friendly yet loud, often attracting thousands of passionate supporters. For U21 matches, it offers a « purist » football experience where the sound of the ball and the instructions of the coaches are clearly audible. The stadium’s location in the woods of the Stadtwald provides a peaceful backdrop that contrasts with the intense, vocal support typical of Cologne’s football culture.
Location and Accessibility
The stadium is located at Franz-Kremer-Allee 1-3, in the southwestern part of Cologne.
– Public Transport: The easiest way to reach the stadium is via the KVB Tram Line 18. Fans should exit at the « Militärring » stop and enjoy a 10-minute walk through the park to the stadium.
– By Car: The stadium is accessible via the Militärring road. There is a medium-sized parking lot directly at the Geißbockheim, though it fills up quickly during double-match days or special events.
– By Bike: Cologne is a bike-friendly city, and the stadium is easily reached via the scenic forest paths of the Stadtwald.
Origin of the Name
The stadium is named after Franz Kremer, the « Boss » and founding father of 1. FC Köln. Kremer was the visionary who merged Kölner BC 01 and SpVgg Sülz 07 in 1948 to create the club we know today. He was a pioneer of professional football in Germany and a key figure in the creation of the Bundesliga. Naming the training stadium after him serves as a constant reminder to the club’s young players of the values and history that define the Geißböcke.
How to get to Franz Kremer Stadion
The most reliable way to get to the Franz-Kremer-Stadion is using Cologne’s tram system. Take Line 18 (direction Brühl or Bonn) and get off at the Militärring station. Follow the signs for Geißbockheim through the forest paths. If you are coming from the city center, the tram ride takes about 15-20 minutes. For those driving, the Militärring road connects directly to the A4 motorway, making it accessible for visitors from outside the city.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For the best view and protection from the weather, the covered main stand (Haupttribüne) is the place to be. Seats in the central blocks offer an excellent perspective of both the pitch and the team dugouts. However, for a more traditional experience, many local fans prefer standing on the terraces behind the goals, which provides a unique « groundhopping » vibe and allows you to be right next to the action.
Where to eat and drink near Franz Kremer Stadion
The highlight of any visit to the Franz-Kremer-Stadion is the Geißbockheim restaurant, located just a few steps from the stands. This traditional clubhouse serves hearty German cuisine and local Kölsch beer in a room filled with club memorabilia. On matchdays, smaller kiosks inside the stadium perimeter also serve classic stadium fare like Bratwurst, Pretzels, and cold drinks, allowing fans to grab a snack without missing any of the game.
Good to know
The Franz-Kremer-Stadion is a very safe, relaxed venue. Tickets for U21 and women’s matches are rarely sold out, so they can usually be purchased at the gate, though checking the club’s website for « Top-Spiele » is advised. Since much of the stadium is standing-room and open-air, checking the weather forecast is essential; bring a raincoat if clouds are looming. Finally, take a moment to walk around the training pitches—you might catch a glimpse of the men’s professional team training just a few meters away from the stadium.
