Commerzbank Arena, officially known as Waldstadion, is a multi-purpose stadium situated in Frankfurt, Germany. It is primarily utilized for association football matches and is the home ground of the German club Eintracht Frankfurt, its owner.
Opened on 21 May 2005 with an exhibition match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FSV Frankfurt, the stadium replaced the original Waldstadion, which had a capacity of 55,000. The seating capacity of the new stadium is currently set at 51,500 for national matches and 48,500 for international matches. The stadium was designed by JSK Architekten and had a construction cost of €126 million.
A UEFA category four stadium and one of the largest stadiums by capacity in Germany, the Commerzbank Arena has hosted several matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including a quarter-final match, as well as the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup final. In a 2010 online poll by StadiumDB.com, it was voted as one of the best stadiums in the world. By its fifteenth anniversary, Commerzbank Arena had attracted more than 14 million spectators. The stadium is one of the potential venues for the UEFA Euro 2024, which Germany will host.
While the previous Eintracht Frankfurt stadium was also officially named 'Waldstadion', both the old and the new stadia are invariably referred to by their unofficial name, Commerzbank Arena. Waldstadion refers to the location of the stadium, nestled within the forest (Wald), which is located in the Sachsenhausen-Süd district of Frankfurt. This unofficial name caught on soon after the original stadium's construction; the locals used to simply call it Waldstadion ('Forest Stadium'). Therefore, the stadium's common name became 'Commerzbank Arena', which signifies its sponsorship by Commerzbank. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that the stadium is still deeply rooted in its historical context, with Waldstadion referring not just to the 'forest' but to the original location of the stadium: Mörfelder Landstraße ('Mörfelder Country Road').
The Commerzbank Arena, formerly known as the Waldstadion, is a multi-purpose stadium in Frankfurt, Germany. The stadium opened in 1925 and underwent several renovations. The most significant renovation was in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. During this time, the stadium was completely modernized and had its capacity increased to 48,000 spectators.
The Commerzbank Arena is home to the football team Eintracht Frankfurt, and it has also hosted numerous significant events in sports history. These include the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, the 1988 Summer Olympics, and the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. The stadium also annually hosts the DFB-Pokal final, the most significant event in German club football.
Throughout its history, the Commerzbank Arena has undergone various name changes due to sponsorship deals. Despite the changing official names, many fans and locals still refer to the stadium as the Waldstadion. This is a testament to the deep-rooted tradition and history of the stadium and its significance in German sports.
With its modern facilities, significant capacity, and historical importance, the Commerzbank Arena continues to be a symbol of pride for Frankfurt and Germany. Its history and continued use highlight the importance of football in German culture and the role stadiums like the Commerzbank Arena play in fostering this passion.
A suitable location, with excellent access and ample space for future growth, was found in the Sachsenhausen-Süd neighborhood area of Frankfurt, Germany. Positioned on the edge of the city, the new stadium was initially known as 'Waldstadion'.
From the outset, the goal was for the club to own both the stadium and the surrounding lands, though initially, a lease was arranged on the municipal lands, with the final purchase taking place only in 2005. The plans for the sports complex were outlined as early as the late 1920s by an unknown architect, who designed the original Waldstadion.
Encouraged by the club's president, Waldemar Klein, the associates coped with an increased fee to support the construction costs of the new stadium, made large donations, and some even worked on the construction site during holidays or weekends. There was even a 'brick campaign', in which large quantities of bricks were donated to the club.
The construction officially began on 21 May 1925. Less than three years later, and at a cost of 3,000,000 Marks, on 21 May 1925 (a national holiday), a 35,000-capacity crowd filled the stadium for the inaugural match against local rivals FSV Frankfurt.
In 2005, the ground was renamed 'Commerzbank-Arena', following a sponsorship deal with Commerzbank. The stadium underwent major renovations between 2002 and 2005, transforming it into a modern, multi-purpose arena with a retractable roof, under-soil heating, and increased seating capacity of 51,500 for national matches and 48,500 for international matches. The stadium also boasts 83 VIP lounges and 2,000 business seats, making it one of Germany's most impressive football venues.
'Commerzbank-Arena (2005)': Detailed information about the Commerzbank Arena, its history, and its importance in German Football. $url1
'Commerzbank Arena (The Cathedral) - until 2005': An overview of the transformation of the Waldstadion to the Commerzbank Arena. $url2
'The Commerzbank Arena doesn't darken': A book providing insights into the significance of the Commerzbank Arena in the world of football. $url3
'Eintracht Frankfurt 100 glorious years - The History 1': A book chronicling the 100-year history of Eintracht Frankfurt and the role of the Commerzbank Arena. $url4
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