AWD Arena
The AWD Arena, until 2002 called Niedersachsenstadion, is the home stadium of Hannover 96. The stadium has a capacity of 49,000, of which 8,000 standing places. At international matches the stadium counts with a total of 45,000 seats. The stadium furthermore holds 1,241 business seats and 29 VIP boxes.
The Niedersachsenstadion was constructed between 1952 and 1954. The stadium, which could hold 86,656 spectators and had cost 4 million DM to build, opened on the 26th of September 1954. Three weeks later the first match at the stadium was played between the West-Germany and France national teams (1-3).
From 1958 Hannover 96 started playing their important matches at the Niedersachsenstadion, and in 1964 the club definitely left their Eilenriedestadion in favour of their new home.
The stadium got renovated between 1972 and 1974 in preparation for the 1974 World Cup. The renovation works included, among others, the construction of a roof that covered part of the stands. During the World Cup the stadium hosted two matches in the first group stage, and another two in the second group stage, most notably the match between Brazil and Argentina (2-1).
Fourteen years later, during the Euro 1988 Championships, the stadium hosted two matches in the group stage.
After Germany got awarded the 2006 World Cup in 2001, and Hanover got selected as one of the playing venues, plans were made for a €66-million reconstruction of the stadium. Works involved the almost complete rebuilding of the stands and the construction of a new roof, and were completed early 2005.
In 2002 the stadium had seen its name change into AWD Arena as part of a sponsorship deal, but, as the FIFA does not allow sponsorship names, the name of the stadium was temporarily changed into FIFA-WM-Stadion Hannover for the World Cup. During the World Cup the stadium hosted four group matches and the quarter-final between France and Spain (3-1).
Getting there
The AWD Arena lies about 1.5 kilometres, or 20 minutes walking, south of Hanover’s city centre. The walk from the main rail station takes 5 to 10 minutes more. The stadium is surrounded by other sports facilities, parks, and the Schützenplatz Hannover, a large fairground.
Arriving by car from the A2 west, take exit 42 Hannover-Herrenhausen. Follow the B6 Westschnellweg in the direction of the centre (Zentrum) and follow the signs to the stadium.
Coming from the A7 south, take exit 58 Hannover-Anderten, and take the B65 in the direction of Hannover. Follow the signs to the stadium.
By public transport the stadium can be reached by (overground) metro (S-bahn). The stadium is served by line S3, S7, S9, and S17, which all pass through the centre (Kröpcke or Thielenplatz) and the rail station (Hauptbahnhof). Either get off at station Waterloo (S3, S7, and S9), or at station Stadionbrücke (S3, S7, and S17). Both stations lie a 5 to 10-minute walk away from the stadium.
Alternatively bus 100 and 200 connect the stadium with the city centre. Get off at stop AWD Arena.
Address: Robert-Enke-Straße 3, 30169 Hannover
Tickets
Tickets for Hannover 96 matches can be bought online (in German only), by phone +49 (0) 1805 1896 00, at the Fanshop at the stadium, or at one of the other selected pre-sale points, of which several in Hanover’s centre.
If tickets remain available, tickets can be bought at the ticket booths at the stadium on the day of the match. Hannover currently has average attendances of around 45,000, though regularly sells out a match against an important opponent.
A ticket for a standing place costs €13.00. The price for a seat ranges from €30.00 to €48.00 for a category I match, and from €22.00 to €44.00 for a category II match.
Stadium tours
Hannover 96 organises guided stadium tours that include the VIP and press areas, and last between 70 and 90 minutes.
Tours are generally held once a week. Check the Hannover website for the exact dates and hours. Bookings can be made through email stadionfuehrung@hannover96.de.
The tour costs €7.00. For more information call +49 (0) 511 96900 450 or email stadionfuehrung@hannover96.de.
Relevant Internet links:
Hannover96.de – Official website of Hannover 96.
AWD-Arena.de – Official website of the AWD Arena.
Hannover.de – Official website of the city of Hannover.
GVH.de – Hannover public transport information and journey planner.
