The Veltins-Arena, located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is a state-of-the-art stadium that has become one of the most visited stadiums in the world. The stadium, which is home to the FC Schalke 04 football club, has hosted various high-profile events such as the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. With a seating capacity of over 62,000, it is the largest stadium in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Veltins-Arena is a multi-purpose stadium that offers a wide range of facilities for sports, music, and cultural events. In addition to hosting football matches, the stadium has also hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bon Jovi, U2, and Coldplay. The stadium is also equipped with a retractable roof that allows for events to take place in any weather conditions.
The Veltins-Arena has become an important landmark in the city of Gelsenkirchen and has had a significant economic impact on the local community. The stadium has created numerous job opportunities in the area and has helped to boost tourism in the region. In addition, the stadium has become a source of pride for the local community and has helped to put Gelsenkirchen on the map as a destination for sports and entertainment.
Key Takeaways
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- The Veltins-Arena is a state-of-the-art stadium located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany that is home to the FC Schalke 04 football club.
- The stadium offers a wide range of facilities for sports, music, and cultural events and has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry.
- The Veltins-Arena has had a significant economic impact on the local community and has become an important landmark in the city of Gelsenkirchen.
History
Construction
Veltins-Arena, formerly known as Arena AufSchalke, is a football stadium located in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The stadium was built between 1998 and 2001 at a cost of €191 million, making it the first stadium in Germany that was completely privately financed without government subsidies. The construction of the stadium was carried out by HBM Stadien- und Sportstättenbau GmbH.
The stadium was designed by the German architect Meinhard von Gerkan, who also designed the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China. The stadium’s roof is retractable, allowing for games to be played in any weather condition.
Inauguration
The stadium was inaugurated on August 13, 2001, with a friendly match between FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Nürnberg. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, with 61,673 fans in attendance. Veltins-Arena became the new home ground for FC Schalke 04, replacing their old Parkstadion.
The stadium has a capacity of 62,271 spectators for national matches and 54,740 spectators for international matches.
Renovations
In 2015, the stadium underwent renovations, which included the installation of new video screens, new seats, and the expansion of the VIP area. The renovations increased the stadium’s capacity to 62,271 spectators for national matches and 54,740 spectators for international matches.
In 2023, the stadium will host four matches of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. The stadium previously hosted the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final and five matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including the quarter-final between Germany and Argentina.
Structure and Facilities
Seating Capacity
Veltins-Arena, formerly known as Arena AufSchalke, is a state-of-the-art football stadium located in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The stadium has a seating capacity of 62,271, making it the fourth-largest football stadium in Germany. It is the home ground of Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04.
Pitch
The playing surface at Veltins-Arena is a natural grass pitch. The pitch is known for its high quality and is maintained to the highest standards. The pitch measures 105 meters by 68 meters, which is the standard size for a football pitch.
Roof
Veltins-Arena has a retractable roof that can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions. The roof is made of translucent Teflon-coated, glass-fibre fabric and is supported by a rectangular truss that spans the entire arena. The roof can be opened or closed in just 30 minutes, and when closed, it provides a comfortable and climate-controlled environment for the players and fans.
The stadium also has 72 VIP lounges, 8,000 business seats, and 600 press seats. The VIP lounges are located on the upper level of the stadium and offer a panoramic view of the pitch. The stadium also has a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system that is used for concerts and other events.
In conclusion, Veltins-Arena is a modern and well-equipped stadium that provides an excellent experience for both players and fans. Its retractable roof, natural grass pitch, and high-quality facilities make it an ideal venue for football matches, concerts, and other events.
Events
The Veltins-Arena is a versatile venue that hosts various events throughout the year. Here are the three main types of events that take place at the stadium:
Football Matches
The Veltins-Arena is the home ground of FC Schalke 04, one of the most popular football clubs in Germany. The stadium has a capacity of over 62,000 spectators, and it regularly hosts Bundesliga matches, DFB-Pokal matches, and international matches. The stadium has also hosted the UEFA Champions League final in 2004, which was won by FC Porto.
Concerts
The Veltins-Arena is also a popular venue for concerts and live events. The stadium has a retractable roof, which allows for concerts to take place in any weather conditions. The stadium has hosted concerts by world-famous artists such as U2, Coldplay, and AC/DC. The stadium has also hosted music festivals such as Rock im Pott and the VELTINS-Arena Festival.
Other Events
The Veltins-Arena is not just limited to football matches and concerts. The stadium has hosted a wide range of events such as ice hockey matches, boxing matches, and biathlon events. The stadium has also been used as a venue for corporate events and trade fairs. The versatility of the stadium makes it a popular choice for event organizers.
Overall, the Veltins-Arena is a world-class venue that can host a wide range of events. Whether it’s a football match, a concert, or a corporate event, the stadium has the facilities and the expertise to ensure that the event is a success.
Accessibility
The Veltins-Arena is committed to making their facility accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The arena was designed with accessibility in mind, and they offer a variety of services and accommodations to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit to the fullest.
Public Transport
The Veltins-Arena is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take the tram or bus to the arena, with several stops located within walking distance of the stadium. The nearest tram stop is “Veltins-Arena” on line 302, while the nearest bus stop is “Arenaring” on bus route 302.
The arena also provides shuttle buses on match days, which run from Gelsenkirchen main train station to the stadium. These buses are wheelchair accessible, and staff members are available to assist visitors with disabilities.
Parking Facilities
The Veltins-Arena offers a number of parking spaces for visitors with disabilities. These spaces are located close to the stadium entrances, making it easy for visitors to access the arena. Parking spaces can be reserved in advance by contacting the arena’s customer service team.
In addition to designated disabled parking spaces, the arena also provides drop-off points for visitors with disabilities. These drop-off points are located close to the stadium entrances, making it easy for visitors to access the arena.
Overall, the Veltins-Arena is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. Whether you are arriving by public transport or car, the arena offers a range of services and accommodations to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit.
Economic Impact
Local Economy
According to a recent economic impact study, the Veltins-Arena has a significant impact on the local economy. The study found that the arena generated over $82 million in local economic impact during the 2018-2019 fiscal year PDF Study Reports Economic Impact of Over $82 Million in Fiscal Year 2019 …. This impact is largely due to the numerous events held at the arena, including concerts, sporting events, and conferences.
The study also found that the Veltins-Arena created 1,265 full and part-time jobs in the local area. This is a significant contribution to the local economy, as these jobs provide income for individuals and families, and help to support local businesses.
Employment
The Veltins-Arena is a major employer in the local area, with a range of job opportunities available. These jobs include event staff, security personnel, hospitality workers, and maintenance staff. The arena also provides opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services, such as food and beverage vendors, merchandise sellers, and equipment rental companies.
The employment opportunities provided by the Veltins-Arena are not only valuable for individuals and families, but also for the local economy as a whole. By providing jobs and supporting local businesses, the arena helps to create a more vibrant and prosperous community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best transport options to reach the VELTINS-Arena?
The VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors can take the S-Bahn lines S2 or S9 to the Gelsenkirchen-Hauptbahnhof station, which is located just a short walk away from the stadium. Additionally, there are several bus routes that stop at the VELTINS-Arena, including the 301, 302, and 303.
Can you recommend any hotels close to the VELTINS-Arena?
There are several hotels located in close proximity to the VELTINS-Arena, including the Hotel Arena, which is just a short walk away from the stadium. Other nearby hotels include the Courtyard by Marriott Gelsenkirchen and the IntercityHotel Gelsenkirchen.
What are the seating and view options available at VELTINS-Arena concerts?
The VELTINS-Arena offers a range of seating and view options for concerts and other events. Visitors can choose from standard seating, VIP boxes, and standing room only areas. The stadium’s retractable pitch also allows for a range of staging options, including a center stage setup that provides excellent views from all angles.
Is there a retractable roof available at the VELTINS-Arena?
While the VELTINS-Arena does not have a retractable roof, the stadium’s retractable pitch provides excellent protection from the elements during inclement weather. Additionally, the stadium’s modern design and state-of-the-art facilities make it a comfortable and enjoyable venue for events of all kinds.
Which airport is closest to the VELTINS-Arena for international visitors?
The Düsseldorf International Airport is the closest airport to the VELTINS-Arena for international visitors. The airport is located approximately 40 kilometers away from the stadium and can be reached by train, bus, or car.
Can you provide a brief history of the VELTINS-Arena?
The VELTINS-Arena, which is the home ground of FC Schalke 04, was built between 1998 and 2001 at a cost of €191 million. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 62,000, is one of the most modern and popular stadiums in Germany and Europe. In addition to hosting football matches, the VELTINS-Arena is also a popular venue for concerts and other events.
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