World Cup 2006 Stadiums in Germany - Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen Stadium Veltins-Arena [formerly AufSchalke Arena]

Capacity

Veltins-Arena [formerly AufSchalke Arena] (new) - 52,000 capacity for World Cup 2006. Presently the arena has a capacity of 62,271 spectators for league matches, which includes both standing and seated areas. For international matches, which require seating only, the capacity is reduced to 54,740.

History

Inaugurated in 2001 at a cost of 192 million euros, the Veltins-Arena [formerly AufSchalke Arena] is one of Europe's most modern stadiums, incorporating a moveable roof, a state-of-the-art sound system, video cubes with 4 screens of 36 square metres each and an extendable, roll-out pitch. Described by then FIFA President Sepp Blatter as, "a pilot project for the whole world," the new stadium is located next to the old Parkstadion.

The stadium's exterior is characterized by its glass facade, which allows natural light to illuminate the interior. The ground has a seating capacity of around 62,000 spectators for football matches, making it one of the largest football stadiums in Germany. It is also capable of accommodating larger crowds for concerts and other events.

The stadium was also a venue stadium for Euro 2024 when it was called Arena AufSchalke Gelsenkirchen.

Altogether the arena hosted 4 matches as follows - three group stage matches and one round of 16 match.

16 June 2024 (Group C): Serbia 0-1 England
20 June 2024 (Group B): Spain 1-0 Italy
26 June 2024 (Group F): Georgia 2-0 Portugal
30 June 2024 (Round of 16): England 2-1 Slovakia (a.e.t.)

Italy fans at the ground for Euro 2024

Accessibility

The Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen is highly accessible for wheelchair users, featuring step-free access, specialized seating (98+ spaces in blocks L-U and X), and accessible toilets (requiring a Euro Key). Disabled parking is available nearby, and audio-descriptive commentary is provided for visually impaired guests. The venue is designed to be step-free, with elevators available to different levels.

Tours

Regular guided tours of the Veltins Arena (home of FC Schalke 04) are available, offering behind-the-scenes access to the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, and the retractable pitch. Tours last approximately 75 minutes, with special "Legends Tours" and kid-friendly options also offered.

Schalke 04

FC Schalke 04 was founded in 1904 hence the club's name. Their primary nicknames are Die Königsblauen (The Royal Blues), referencing their blue and white team colors, and Die Knappen (The Miners), which highlights the club's strong roots in the coal-mining culture of Gelsenkirchen.

Some famous names to have represented the club include Klaus Fischer and Olaf Thon, along with more recent stars such as keeper Manuel Neuer, who began his career at the club before his move to Bayern in 2011, former Real Madrid forward Raúl González, and Dutch international Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Other notable players who spent time at the club include Gerald Asamoah, Benedikt Höwedes, Mesut Özil, Leroy Sané, and Ivan Rakitic.

Click here for our City Guide to Gelsenkirchen

Arena AufSchalke aka Veltins Arena

Getting to Veltins-Arena

The stadium is the home ground of Schalke 04, founded in 1904.
Train:
Line 302 from Bochum Hauptbahnhof via Gelsenkirchen towards GE-Buer and the VELTINS-Arena (Arena AufSchalke). Visitors with limited mobility should get off at the Willy-Brandt-Alle stop.

Bus:
Buses #380 or #381 to the Sportparadies stop, then a 15-minute walk.

Map: See a map of Gelsenkirchen and Stadium