The „Arena Auf Schalke“
“Arena Auf Schalke” (today: Veltins-Arena) was the first multi-functional stadium of the new generation to be built in Germany. The construction works started on November 21, 1998 and the construction period was exactly 1,000 days. The opening took place in the course of a two day gala – double event on August 13 and 14, 2001.
The stadium, built by Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG in co-operation with its sister company HBM Sportstättenbau Deutschland, was based on the design criteria multifunctionality, safety and convenience. The following three innovations, some of which are still unique in Germany to this day, were carried out:
- A pitch with a 11,400 ton sliding trough which can be moved in and out of the stadium to allow for ventilation and exposure to sunshine of the grass playing surface, thus ensuring optimum growth.
- A roof construction which can be closed in bad weather conditions.
- A sliding lower tier at South stands, which can be moved outside by 16 m to significantly increase the inner space at indoor events.
The sports complex is situated at Berger Feld in Gelsenkirchen, a region of mining subsidence on top of two coal seams which were closed in May 2000. Expected distortions of 5 mm/m and inclinations of up to 0.85% can be compensated by the structure.
Some details:
- 62,400 spectators
- 72 lettable VIP-lounges
Special feature:
- An approx. 70 m² chapel, which is used one to seven times per day.