RheinEnergieStadion

The history of a stadium at the Müngersdorf site dates to 1923, when the first earthwork ground was opened. Over a century of use, three generations of arenas have stood here, each reflecting the ambitions of Cologne and the era in which it was built.

Construction and opening

The second Müngersdorfer Stadion was constructed in the 1950s and 1960s and modernised for UEFA Euro 1988, where it hosted three group-stage matches. The current third-generation arena -- designed by gmp Architekten -- was created by demolishing its predecessor and rebuilding between 2001 and 2004. It opened in 2004 with a capacity of 50,000 and a distinctive glazed exterior facade.

Major renovations

Capacity was temporarily increased to 75,000 for the 2006 FIFA World Cup by adding temporary stands behind the goals. Ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, the arena underwent upgrades to its technical infrastructure, LED lighting, and media facilities. The naming journey has moved from the historic Müngersdorfer Stadion to the current RheinEnergieStadion, with naming rights held by local energy company RheinEnergie AG; UEFA tournaments require use of the neutral name Stadion Köln.

Notable moments

Among the greatest moments are the 2006 World Cup fixtures -- including the memorable Argentina vs. Serbia match -- and the 2020 Europa League Final between Sevilla and Inter Milan (3-2), played in a COVID-19 bubble without fans. During Euro 2024 the arena hosted group-stage matches before a full European audience. At club level, 1. FC Köln's Bundesliga title in 1978 and appearances in DFB-Pokal finals remain cherished milestones.

Cologne possesses one of the most vocal and devoted fan cultures in German football. The red-and-white Geißböcke (Billy Goats) command Müngersdorf with unmistakable intensity -- even during seasons when the club fights relegation or returns from the second division.

Fan culture

1. FC Köln is celebrated for a supporter base of extraordinary loyalty, following the club through the highs and lows of the divisions. The Südkurve (South Stand) is the home of the ultras and the source of the loudest chants, sweeping tifos, and scarf displays. The club mascot Hennes der Geißbock -- a live billy goat -- has been an iconic symbol of Cologne football since 1950. At a sold-out Bundesliga fixture, the atmosphere inside RheinEnergieStadion is among the most intense in European club football.

Big matches

The most dramatic international moment of recent years was the 2020 Europa League Final -- Sevilla defeated Inter Milan 3-2 in a breathless final, albeit in an eerily empty stadium due to the pandemic. At Euro 2024 the arena was filled to capacity for group-stage encounters in a genuinely festive European atmosphere. At club level, league derbies against Borussia Mönchengladbach -- the Rhein derby -- stand out as one of the fiercest rivalries in German football and produce some of the stadium's most electric evenings.

RheinEnergieStadion is well served by Cologne's dense public transport network, one of the most comprehensive in the Rhineland. The city has an international airport and excellent rail connections to the rest of Europe.

How to get there

• Tram/metro (KVB): Lines 1 or 7, stop Müngersdorfer Stadion -- direct from Cologne city centre, approximately 20-25 minutes
• Train: From Köln Hauptbahnhof connect directly to a tram or metro with no change required; total journey around 30 minutes
• Airport: Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) is approximately 20-25 minutes by car or a combination of train and metro
• Car: Parking is available in the surrounding area, but public transport is strongly recommended for sold-out matches

Tickets and tours

Tickets for 1. FC Köln matches are available via the club's official website and authorised resale platforms. High-demand fixtures -- particularly derbies -- sell out quickly, so advance purchase is advisable. The stadium offers guided stadium tours covering the changing rooms, players' tunnel, VIP areas, and a pitch-level view; advance booking via the club website is recommended.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 45-60 minutes before kick-off -- trams fill up rapidly and entrance queues can be long for capacity fixtures
• Mascot Hennes: If you want a photo with the live billy goat mascot, look for him near the designated entrance area before kick-off
• Local tradition: Cologne's Kölsch -- a pale ale served in small cylindrical glasses called Stange -- is the iconic local beer; sample it in the bars around the stadium before the match
• After the match: Trams are extremely crowded immediately after the final whistle; staying 30-40 minutes at a nearby pub is a practical and enjoyable alternative