Football
The Merkur Spiel Stadium stands out as a prime example of modern infrastructure and design, seamlessly blending contemporary elements with cutting-edge technology to accommodate large crowds and ensure the satisfaction of all attendees. Even though the main focus of Spiel-Arena is football games, it also hosts events of all kinds, including the Eurovision song contest and many others that we will talk about later.
It is one of the most important stadiums of modern era and a must-go if you have the opportunity to visit it. If you want to know more about the Spiel-Arena, you came to the right place.
Here, we will show you some of the main curiosities regarding it and what makes this piece of architecture so unique.
Table of Contents
What Is the Merkur Spiel Stadium
Merkur Spiel-Arena is not only another football stadium with cool looks. It is one of the most important constructions of its kind in architecture and design, aligning visuals and functionality to create the definitive experience for watching international games, concerts, or anything else.
It was built in 2004 as the substitute stadium for the old Rheinstadion at the same site. The name of the old stadium stems from its location next to the Rhine River, being also one of the characteristics that make it such a beautiful place both inside and outside.
The opaque roof construction and a few retractable roofs that cover the arena make it the perfect stadium for all kinds of events and weather conditions. This is one of the reasons why Merkur Spiel is one of the people’s favorite places for big events.
Whether through the numerous concerts, matches, or special events, the stadium always manages to show its potential and flexibility. It is a piece of art that will still be the main stage of some of the most important events for many years to come.
Curiosities About the Arena
Let’s explore some fascinating and lesser-known facts about the Merkur Spiel Stadium that highlight its historical significance and fame. Dive into each of these to uncover what sets this stadium apart from the rest.
Here are the best curiosities about Spiel Arena:
It Had Over 3 Different Names
Throughout its more than 20 years of existence, the arena has had four different names. Merkur Spiel Arena is also known as Düsseldorf Arena, Esprit Arena, and LTU Arena, each of the names serving a different purpose or representing a special occasion, like Düsseldorf, which was used during the Eurovision competition.
The main reason for the name change so frequently is due to naming rights and the laws regarding it. The Espirit name was held by a clothing brand, and due to legal issues, the stadium couldn’t keep using it. The same thing happened with LTU, which was held by an airline company, so the arena also had to pursue a different one.
In order to avoid losing sponsorship for Eurovision, the stadium was temporarily named Düsseldorf during the event. Now, the name is Merkur Spiel, and its rights are owned by the gambling company Gauselmann.
The Stadium Can Fit Over 60 Thousand Spectators
The total capacity of this stadium is one of the biggest in all of Europe and can fit up to over 60 thousand people for special events. The number of seats and tickets for each event can vary depending on the type and how the arena will be arranged.
For example, concerts usually have more tickets available because the field is also used to fit more satisfied attendees. On the other hand, the capacity for American football events is reduced due to the size of the field and all the aspects necessary for executing the event.
It has an initial capacity of 54,000 visitors and can go up to 66,500 for special events where the grass field is removed. Speaking of the field, the grass part size is a 100m x 70m rectangle that can be easily removed for maintenance and management purposes. This way, when any other event unrelated to football occurs in the facility, this action can be done quickly and prevent any damage to the structure.
Rectangle Format but Round Edges
Many people think that the Düsseldorf Arena is rectangular due to its external look. Still, when they enter the main field or other parts of its structure, they are shocked to know that the corners are round, contrasting the looks inside and outside. It is obviously a design choice so that all people can clearly watch the game without any problems such as blind spots, also allowing the engineers to fit more chairs in the round corners.
It doesn’t look pretty only on the outside, and the internal part of the building is also one of the best-looking in the entire Europe. Regardless of the stadium side you end up watching the match or the corner you’re on, you’ll surely have a spectacular view of the event and unforgettable memories to share.
It Cost a Lot to Build…
With such advanced infrastructure, it is natural that the arena would cost a lot to build, especially considering how many parts beyond just the arena compose the site. Along with the main stage, a hotel is integrated with the building and multiple external fields that Fortuna Düsseldorf and other teams used to practice.
The former Rheinstadion boasts two retractable roofs and a retractable field, features that are now common in new stadiums but still come with a hefty price tag. Altogether, these elements contributed to a total construction cost of a staggering 240 million euros for the arena.
The 10,500 square meter new stadium took two years to build, with construction commencing in 2002 and completing in September 2004. The project was overseen by JSK Architekten, the firm responsible for its design and realization.
Projected to Support All Weather Conditions
The entire structure is carefully projected to support all kinds of weather conditions, so attending events in the facility is attractive to local and international event organizers looking for a top-tier facility to host their matches. It can be used throughout the entire year round without worrying about heat-insulated problems or the hot atmosphere of the summer. The retractable roof also helps with this task, so neither rain, snow, nor anything else can bother players and visitors at the arena.
It is the perfect host venue for all kinds of matches and events and can be used throughout the 365 days of the year. It’s not a coincidence that many international teams and artists love the stadium and its structure, and many consider it the best arena in Germany.
Beyond Just Football
Along with being one of Germany’s first stadiums with modern features, it is also one of the favorites for diversified venues. Merkur Spiel already held numerous important events that go beyond just football.
The most remembered one is Eurovision 2011. It is the most important musical contest in all of Europe. Then, the entire arena was turned into the main stage for bands from all over the continent to showcase their talent. The contest took place in May, creating a mark that will be forever remembered in the Düsseldorf stadium.
Along with Eurovision, the arena was also the stage for many shows and concerts, like Rammstein in 2022 and Roger Waters in 2013.
As for sports, the arena also hosted boxing world heavyweight championship bouts between Wladimir Klitschko and Eddie Chambers on 20 March 2010. The fight ended with Klitschko winning by knockout in the 12th round.
The arena also hosted the Race of Champions in 2010, the biggest crowd for a handball game in history in 2024 between Germany and Switzerland for the European Men’s Handball Championship, and many other significant events throughout almost 20 years of history.
One of the Main Arenas of the UEFA Euro 2024
This year’s UEFA Euro will take place in Germany, and Merkur Spiel is one of the main stages where Europe’s best teams will fight for the trophy and the title of the best team in the continent. The competition is set to start in June 2024, and among the many names, LTU Arena will be one of the main stages, with over five games happening on its grounds. Here you can check the main games of the first stages of the competition:
| Date | Time (CEST) | Team #1 | Result | Team #2 | Round |
| 17 June 2024 | 21:00 |  Austria | – |  France | Group D |
| 21 June 2024 | 15:00 |  Slovakia | – |  Ukraine | Group E |
| 24 June 2024 | 21:00 |  Albania | – |  Spain | Group B |
| 1 July 2024 | 18:00 | Runner-up Group D | – | Runner-up Group E | Round of 16 |
| 6 July 2024 | 18:00 | Winner Match 40 | – | Winner Match 38 | Quarter-finals |
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Conclusion on Merkur Spiel-Arena
The Merkur Spiel stadium isn’t just your average venue; it’s a standout gem in Europe’s stadium scene! Not only is it architecturally impressive, but it’s also designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. From cozy seating to convenient transport options nearby, everything has been carefully planned to ensure you have an amazing time.
And let’s not forget about the events it hosts! We’re talking major concerts and thrilling competitions that draw crowds from far and wide Düsseldorf. So, if you find yourself in the area, you’ve got to check it out.
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