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Stadium

Stadion an der Hafenstrasse

Essen, Germany

Formerly: Stadion Essen

On the map stadion-an-der-hafenstrasse.de
The southern tribune of Georg-Melches-Stadium in Essen, GER, seen from northern tribune.
The southern tribune of Georg-Melches-Stadium in Essen, GER, seen from northern tribune. Der-wuppertaler · CC BY-SA 3.0
Stadion an der Hafenstrasse, Essen, Germany
Stadion an der Hafenstrasse Gast32 · Public domain
Nordtribüne des Georg-Melches-Stadions in Essen
Nordtribüne des Georg-Melches-Stadions in Essen Sebastian Ritter · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Stadion an der Hafenstraße in Essen is a place defined by its recent history. Where the old Georg-Melches-Stadion had stood since 1939, a new structure rose in phases, the first section opening in 2012 and the final stand completing the circle in 2013.

From the stands, the view is framed by the structure itself. The pitch is natural grass, kept in condition by under-soil heating, a necessity for the climate. The atmosphere can spring a surprise; on one occasion, the ground saw a crowd of nearly 20,000 for a cup match against Borussia Dortmund. The history between the team and the city adds an edge.

The stadium has seen its share of drama. During an opening ceremony, local female players were substituted by men from the senior side after eighty minutes, a moment that has stuck.

It is not just a football ground. The pitch has hosted the German U21 international team and the GFL Bowl final. The capacity sits at 20,650, a figure that grew as the second phase of construction opened. Plans are in place to close the open corners of the bowl, a project that would bring the total to 27,000. For now, the ground remains a modest but vibrant part of the Essen landscape, where the game is played out in the open.