Football
Bayer Leverkusen has just won their first Bundesliga title. Under Xabi Alonso, the team dominated the league, recording impressive victories such as a convincing 3-0 against Bayern Munich and a devastating 5-0 against Werder Bremen to secure the trophy.
Although they are widely recognized as a high-caliber team, attracting more and more fans, there is one little-known aspect about Bayer Leverkusen: their stadium is among the best in the Bundesliga. So let’s explore some facts about the arena that hosted this year’s victory.
Table of Contents
A Quick History Of Bayarena Stadium
BayArena, a football stadium located in Leverkusen, Germany, and the house of Bayer Leverkusen, has a rich history and impressive evolution over the years. In 1923, even when it was not an official stadium, it was called Bayer-Platz and was built by company members.
In 1931, Bayer beat Langenfeld 3-1 at the stadium and secured a place in the Cologne District Championship. A year later, the site was abandoned and Bayer, on September 4, 1932, remodeled the place and officially opened Am Stadtpark. Today, the Lise-Meitner Gymnasium is located in this then-new stadium.
Initially known as ”Pitch on the Dhünn” or “Dhünn pitch” and later “Stadium by the City Park,” its capacity was increased to 15,000 spectators in 1941. In 1949, Bayer 04 Leverkusen rose to the second division of the Oberliga West, bringing more visibility to the club and its stadium.
From the 1950s onwards, the BayArena began to take shape. In 1956, construction began on their new stadium, which was named Ulrich-Haberland Stadium, after a former president of Bayer AG. It was completed in 1958, boasting a capacity of 20,000 spectators. In 1963, the stadium pioneered the installation of a projector system, marking a celebration of 100 years of the pharmaceutical company Bayer.
The real leap in prestige came in 1979 when the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion became the stadium for the Bundesliga’s first division. A new temporary east stand was built, coinciding with Bayer Leverkusen’s qualification. Since then, the stadium has witnessed great moments, such as Bayer’s 87/88 UEFA Cup victory. With constant improvements and expansions over time, including a major renovation and capacity increase in 1997, the BayArena has solidified itself as one of the best stadiums in the Bundesliga.
Since then, the BayArena has continued to reinvent itself and modernize. In 2007, a new phase of the renovation brought even more improvements, including an original roof, exclusive VIP areas, and a further increase in capacity to 30,210 spectators. These transformations have not only elevated the Bayer Leverkusen fans’ experience but also solidified the BayArena as a prominent venue on the global sporting stage, securing its position as an icon of German football and the venue for high-profile sporting events, including the Football Female World Cup in 2011.
Facts That Make Bayer Leverkusen Fascinating!
Below are a few facts that will make you want to visit this magnificent stadium!
It Has A Beautiful Structure!
The BayArena has undergone several upgrades over the years, becoming one of the most modern stadiums in Germany. It currently has a structure with a capacity for more than 30,000 spectators, which can be expanded to accommodate up to 37,000 people for international matches.
The tent-like roof, with a diameter of 217 meters, extended over the stands, provides protection from rain for spectators in the stadium and is just one of the many highlights of the modernized BayArena, which features more than 2,000 corporate seats and 26 executive boxes.
Even The Grass Is The Best!
In 2023, Bayer 04’s groundskeepers were again awarded the “Pitcher of the Year” award for the 2022/23 season, with the BayArena beating off competition from all other Bundesliga clubs. It was the second year in a row that they received the award for best pitch in Germany’s first division.
Hospitality Options
BayArena also offers high-quality services such as conference rooms overlooking the stadium, a premium lounge, and fast wireless internet throughout the stadium area. Recognized for its quality of service, the BayArena received special awards in 2015. Furthermore, the stadium’s pitch was named ‘Pitch of the Year’ by the German Football League in the 2017/18 season, beating renowned stadiums such as the Allianz Arena and Signal Iduna Park.
Players Enjoy It Too!
Not just the VIPs and Bayer Leverkusen fans, but players also benefit from the modern stadium: In 2010, Bayer 04 opened ‘Werkstatt’, an innovative training center at the BayArena focused on prevention, regeneration, and rehabilitation, setting new standards of medical care. The center includes an ultra-modern gym, areas equipped with reduced oxygen and anti-gravity treadmills, and cold rooms with temperatures of up to -110 degrees for faster recovery.
Constantly Expanding And Improving
Recent improvements include the reconstruction and expansion of the kiosks and the renovation of all restrooms in the lower concourse. The design of the walls provides a unique experience, bringing to life the history of Bayer 04 in the form of street art, transforming the BayArena into a special museum for the club’s fans.
It’s For Everyone!
BayArena is a pioneer in inclusion actions, offering services for people with visual, hearing, and physical disabilities. Since October 1999, after a collaboration with the “Sehhunde” fan club, BayArena has provided an exclusive service for blind and visually impaired people. There are seats reserved for these fans, where a commentator ensures that they can follow the games, and feel the unique atmosphere of the stadium. Visually impaired fans can listen to the commentary via headphones in their seats, provided by the club.
For wheelchair users, BayArena offers seats with a reserved seat for each companion. All seats have an excellent view of the field. Furthermore, the club values the comfort of fans with mobility difficulties, offering blankets during the winter.
Since the 2017/18 season, the BayArena has made seating available for people with hearing impairments, with sign language interpreters available 30 minutes before the start of each match. These initiatives demonstrate Bayer Leverkusen’s commitment to ensuring that all fans have equal access and enjoy the stadium experience.
Easily Accessible!
The BayArena is easily accessible via public transport, making it convenient for Bayer Leverkusen fans from near and far. On game days, traffic flow around the Bay Arena is altered to protect residents near the stadium. A comprehensive traffic management plan, developed by Bayer 04 in collaboration with representatives from the city of Leverkusen, the police, and other experts, has been implemented and is constantly updated. You can use the free parking at the Kurtekotten bus terminal for games and events if you are by car.
You Can See It All By Yourself!
You can experience all the above and more through guided tours offered by Bayer 04. These tours include visits to the locker rooms, player tunnel, press room, dugouts, and VIP areas. Tours can be arranged for families, groups, or individuals.
You also have the option of embarking on a longer tour to delve into the legends of the team, where you can listen to many interesting stories directly from Rüdiger Vollborn, as well as learn about the Werkself and the exhibits showcased in the Schwadbud. Once Kevin Bormacher and the former Bayer 04 goalkeeper have fielded all your questions, Rudi Vollborn will be delighted to take selfies and sign autographs.
The tours occur several to a dozen times per month, depending on the season, typically in the afternoons. Dates are announced on the BayArena website. Special tours are available on game days.
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