The Largest Football Stadiums In Germany

Football is Germany's most popular sport, and it is governed nationally by the German Football Association. The body has an estimated 6.6 million members who are organized in more than 26,000 football clubs. The major football competition in Germany is Bundesliga. Besides, Germany has many football stadiums which are recognized as world class.

Signal Iduna Park

The Signal Iduna Stadium also called the Westfalenstadion is Germany's largest stadium. It is Europe's seventh largest stadium and was built from 1971 to 1974 in Dortmund, NorthRhine-westphalia. Upon completion in 1974, Borussia Dortmund moved in, and it has occupied the stadium ever since. In 1974, the Signal Iduna Stadium hosted three group stage games as well as a final group game in the FIFA World Cup. The stadium was one of the stadiums used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup competitions. The stadium boasted a league capacity of 81,360 both standing and seated while its international capacity is 65,829 seated only. The south terrace, with a capacity of 24,454, is recognized as the largest terrace for standing fans in European football. The stadium has also hosted games in European club competitions, national friendlies, and qualification matches for European and world tournaments.

Allianz Arena

The City of Munich in Bavaria is home to Germany's second largest stadium namely the Allianz Arena. The stadium is the first world stadium to have full-color changing exterior. Construction of the stadium officially broke ground on October 21, 2002, and it was opened on May 30, 2005. The Allianz Arena is recognized by its inflated ETFE plastic panels. The arena’s roof has built-in roller blinds which are drawn back and forth as a preventive measure against the sun rays. The stadium boasts a 75,000 seating capacity. Since 2005, TSV 1860 and FC Bayern Munich have had their home games played in the arena. Allianz Arena hosted several games of the 2006 FIFA World Cup matches.

Olympiastadion Berlin

The Olympiastadion Berlin, with a capacity of 74,475, is Germany's third largest stadium. The stadium was initially constructed for the Summer Olympics in 1936 with Werner March as its primary architect. It was constructed between 1934 and 1936 and renovated in 1974 and again from 2000 to 2004. The Hertha BSC has occupied the stadium since 1963. Three matches were played in the Olympiastadion Berlin in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, and a further six matches were played in the stadium in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Olympiastadion München

Construction for the Olympiastadion München began in 1968 and ended in 1972. It was built as the major venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. The stadium has a capacity of 69,250. Some of the football matches it has hosted include the Euro ‘88 Final, the World Cup Final in 1974 as well as the European Cup Finals in 1979, 1993, and 1997. TSV 1860 Munich and Bayern Munich occupied the stadium until the Allianz Arena was constructed. The Olympiastadion München has hosted the annual air and style snowboard events since 2005 as well as numerous concerts.

Uses Of Football Stadiums In Germany

Football stadiums in Germany primarily host football matches such as those between the country’s different clubs as well as international matches. The stadiums are also used for cultural events and music concerts and also as scenes in movies. Germany’s football stadiums also host other sports such as athletics.