Westfalenstadion

Westfalenstadion was built specifically to host the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany, and has served as Borussia Dortmund's home ever since. Its identity is inseparable from the club and the Ruhr's industrial heritage.

Construction and opening

Opened in 1974 in time for the World Cup, the stadium was designed by architect Ralf Schulte-Ladbeck in a functional modernist style typical of 1970s German stadium architecture.

Major renovations

The most recent major renovation was completed in summer 2004 at a cost of 45.5 million euros. The rebuild greatly increased capacity and introduced the enormous South Stand (Gelbe Wand / Yellow Wall), which accommodates over 25,000 standing supporters for domestic matches. The stadium's total capacity for international events (all-seated) is approximately 65,000; for domestic fixtures with standing areas it exceeds 81,000.

Notable moments

The stadium hosted matches at the 1974 World Cup (West Germany lifted the trophy that year), the 2006 World Cup, and Euro 2024. For Borussia Dortmund, the ground has been the stage for Bundesliga title wins, dramatic Champions League nights, and legendary Revierderby clashes with Schalke 04.

Westfalenstadion is widely regarded as generating one of the loudest and most visceral atmospheres in world football, driven by the Gelbe Wand — the Yellow Wall — the largest standing terrace in European football.

Fan culture

The Gelbe Wand (Yellow Wall) South Stand holds over 25,000 standing supporters for Bundesliga matches, creating a wall of yellow and black that generates noise audible throughout the stadium from the first whistle. Borussia Dortmund supporters are renowned for their loyalty — the fanbase remained dedicated during the club's financial crisis in the early 2000s when relegation loomed, and the stadium was packed regardless. Scarves, drums, and relentless chanting define the experience on the terrace.

Big matches

Champions League nights at Westfalenstadion — against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and other elite opponents — rank among the most intense atmospheres in European club football. The Revierderby against Schalke 04 is one of the most passionately contested regional derbies in Germany, with the stadium reaching full volume before kick-off. The 2012 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, when Dortmund won 4:1 at home, is one of the standout atmospheric occasions in the stadium's modern history.

Westfalenstadion is well connected by Dortmund's public transport network, and the city's position in the Ruhr makes it accessible from across the region.

How to get there

• Stadtbahn (tram/metro): Lines U45 and U46, station Stadion — direct from Dortmund city centre, approximately 15 minutes
• Train: Dortmund Hauptbahnhof is well served by regional and intercity services; connect to the Stadtbahn from the main station
• Car: Parking available near the stadium, but spaces fill quickly for sold-out matches; arriving early is essential

Tickets and tours

Borussia Dortmund match tickets are sold via the club's official website. Bundesliga fixtures and the Revierderby against Schalke sell out extremely quickly. Stadium tours include the Gelbe Wand close-up, the players' tunnel, and the club museum.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off; trams are packed on departure
• Colours: Yellow and black are welcome everywhere; avoid wearing opposition colours
• After the match: Stadtbahn is very crowded immediately after the final whistle; waiting 30–40 minutes in a nearby bar is a practical alternative