Vonovia Ruhrstadion
Bochum, Germany
About this place
History of the stadium
Veltins-Arena was opened in 2001 to replace the historic Parkstadion, marking a new era for FC Schalke 04. The stadium was built to meet modern international standards and quickly became a reference point for contemporary stadium architecture. Over the years, it has hosted Bundesliga matches, international competitions and major sporting events.
Architecture and design
The stadium features a fully retractable roof and a unique sliding pitch system, allowing the playing surface to be moved outside the stadium for maintenance. Its bowl-shaped seating layout ensures excellent sightlines, while the enclosed structure enables events to be held in all weather conditions. The design allows the venue to host football, concerts and other large-scale events.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
Matchdays at Veltins-Arena are characterized by a powerful and emotional atmosphere driven by Schalke’s large and passionate fan base. When the roof is closed, crowd noise is amplified, creating an intense environment. The stadium’s size and acoustics make it particularly impressive during high-profile matches.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located in the Erle district of Gelsenkirchen and is well connected to the regional transport network. It is accessible by public transport, with tram and train services linking it to surrounding cities in the Ruhr area. Extensive parking facilities are available around the stadium.
Origin of the stadium name
The name Veltins-Arena comes from a naming rights agreement with Veltins, a German brewery. The partnership gives the stadium its commercial name while remaining closely associated with FC Schalke 04.
