Changchun Stadium
China
About this place
History
Fritz-Walter-Stadion opened on May 13, 1920, originally as Betzenbergstadion atop the Betzenberg hill in Kaiserslautern. It was renamed in 1985 after Fritz Walter, the legendary captain of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Germany’s 1954 World Cup-winning squad. The stadium underwent numerous renovations: early expansions in 1953, 1963, 1972–73, and modernisation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup (2002–2005), which included new grandstands, roofs, and media facilities.
Description
Today, it seats 49,327 spectators (league) and 47,103 for internationals, with both seating and standing areas. The four-stand layout on Betzenberg hill keeps fans close to the pitch. Notable entries include the Ottmar-Walter Gate and other doors named after 1954 World Cup heroes.
Architectural Features
The stadium blends history and modernity. The Westkurve stand remains steep and intense, housing the most vocal fans. After the 2006 upgrades, it features full coverage, floodlights, media tower, loge towers, photovoltaic panels (3,000 m²), and restaurant facilities under the stands.
Who is Fritz Walter?
Fritz Walter (1920–2002) was a homegrown star for 1. FC Kaiserslautern and captain of West Germany’s 1954 World Cup-winning “Miracle of Bern” team. Local and national icon, the stadium was renamed in his honour on his 65th birthday.
Records
Current capacity is 49,327, reduced from over 50,000 after safety and seating upgrades. The record attendance was 50,754 during the 2006 Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich. The mix of seating and Germany’s second-largest standing Westkurve creates one of the country’s most formidable atmospheres.
