Vonovia Ruhrstadion
Bochum, Germany
Capacity
81365
About this place
History
The stadium opened in 1974 for the FIFA World Cup under the name Westfalenstadion. Built at a time when Borussia Dortmund faced financial difficulties, it quickly became a symbol of revival for both the club and the city. Over the decades, the stadium has hosted Bundesliga classics, Champions League nights, and major international tournaments, including the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. In 2005, the venue was renamed Signal Iduna Park following a naming rights agreement, although many supporters still affectionately refer to it as Westfalenstadion.
Architecture
Signal Iduna Park has a capacity of over 81,000 spectators for domestic matches, making it the largest football stadium in Germany. Its architecture is instantly recognizable thanks to the four massive yellow pylons supporting the roof structure. The steep stands are designed to keep fans close to the pitch, amplifying noise and intensity. The stadium combines standing and seating areas, a rarity at this scale in modern football, and fully complies with UEFA regulations for international competitions.
The Yellow Wall (Südtribüne)
The Südtribüne, better known as the Yellow Wall, is the stadium’s defining feature. With a capacity of around 25,000 standing supporters, it is the largest standing terrace in European football. On matchdays, the wall becomes a sea of yellow, creating an atmosphere often described as intimidating, emotional, and unmatched anywhere else in the world. It plays a central role in Borussia Dortmund’s identity and global reputation.
Location
The stadium is located in Dortmund, in Germany’s Ruhr region, an area historically shaped by coal and steel industries. It is easily accessible by train, tram, and road, with dedicated matchday transport systems in place. Its position near the city centre makes it a focal point of local life, drawing fans from across the Ruhrgebiet and beyond.
What is Signal Iduna?
The name Signal Iduna comes from Signal Iduna Group, a major German insurance and financial services company headquartered in Dortmund. The naming rights agreement reflects the company’s regional roots and long-standing connection to the city, while the stadium’s original name, Westfalenstadion, remains deeply ingrained in supporter culture.
Why the Stadium Matters
Signal Iduna Park is more than a football ground — it is a global symbol of fan culture. Regularly ranked as having the highest average attendance in European football, it represents passion, loyalty, and collective identity. The stadium has hosted UEFA Champions League finals, national team matches, and remains a pilgrimage site for football fans worldwide who want to experience the Yellow Wall at least once in their lifetime.
Cultural Impact
The stadium’s image is inseparable from Borussia Dortmund’s modern history and has featured in documentaries, video games, and global media. Its atmosphere is often cited by players and coaches as one of the most intense in world football, contributing to Dortmund’s reputation as one of the most feared home venues in Europe.
