Mewa Arena

Mewa Arena was built to replace the ageing Bruchweg Stadion, which had served Mainz 05 for decades but could no longer meet the capacity and infrastructure demands of professional German football.

Construction and opening

The stadium opened in July 2011 under the name Coface Arena, after French credit insurance group Coface. A capacity of 33,305 made it one of the smaller Bundesliga venues, but its modern design delivered the facilities required for top-flight football and UEFA competition. The project gave Mainz 05 a state-of-the-art home ground for the first time in the club's history.

Major renovations

No major structural rebuild has taken place since opening, though technical systems and supporter facilities have been upgraded over time. The most visible changes have been the naming rights: in 2016 the venue was renamed Opel Arena after the Opel car manufacturer based in nearby Russelsheim, and in 2021 it became Mewa Arena following a naming-rights deal with regional textile services company Mewa.

Notable moments

Mewa Arena has hosted memorable victories over German giants including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, confirming its reputation as a difficult ground to visit. The stadium witnessed the emotional relegation season of 2016-17 and the triumphant promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2018. European nights in the UEFA Europa League brought continental opponents to Mainz and produced some of the arena's most charged atmospheres.

Mewa Arena punches well above its weight in terms of Bundesliga atmosphere. Despite being one of the smaller venues in the top flight, Mainz 05 has built a reputation for creating an intimidating and passionate home environment.

Fan culture

1. FSV Mainz 05 draws its support primarily from Mainz and the wider Rhineland-Palatinate region. The standing terrace (Stehplatz) behind the goal is the beating heart of the stadium, where ultras groups lead chants, unfurl choreographies, and generate continuous noise throughout the match. Supporters are known for standing by the club through relegation battles and lower-division spells, and that loyalty is repaid with a compact but electric arena on matchdays. The acoustic properties of the bowl amplify the crowd noise considerably, making the arena feel louder than its size suggests. Mainz's famous carnival culture also seeps into matchdays, with colourful costumes occasionally visible in the stands during the season.

Big matches

Mewa Arena's standout occasions include Bundesliga victories over Bayern Munich and other leading clubs that turned the arena into a cauldron of noise. UEFA Europa League fixtures drew supporters from across Europe and showcased the ground to a wider international audience. High-tension relegation play-off matches also rank among the most emotionally charged moments the venue has hosted, with packed stands roaring the team through 90-minute battles for top-flight survival.

Visiting Mewa Arena is straightforward with some preparation. Public transport and car access both work well, and the compact stadium makes for a manageable matchday experience.

How to get there

• Tram/Bus: Reinforced tram and bus lines (line 9 and others) run from Mainz Hauptbahnhof to the stadium on matchdays — journey time approximately 15-20 minutes
• Car: The stadium is accessible via motorway A60 (exit Mainz-Finthen); car parks around the arena are available for a fee
• Train: Mainz Hauptbahnhof is roughly 5 km away; connect to the stadium by tram or taxi

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for 1. FSV Mainz 05 are sold via the club's official website and stadium box offices. Popular fixtures sell out, so advance booking is recommended for high-profile opponents. The club offers stadium tours that cover the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, and stand access — schedules and prices are available on the official Mainz 05 website.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off to clear turnstiles and pick up refreshments without queuing
• Fan shop: Located within the stadium precinct, open on matchdays and during the off-season
• Standing section: The go-to choice for an authentic Bundesliga atmosphere — loud, energetic, and worth it for any football traveller
• Parking: Plan car arrival with extra time — parking around the arena fills up quickly for sold-out fixtures