Signal Iduna Park
Signal Iduna Park, before 2005 called Westfalenstadion, is the largest stadium of Germany with a capacity of 80,720, of which 25,000 standing places. Borussia Dortmund plays its home matches at the stadium, which has also been host to a large number of international matches. The stadium has the largest stand with only standing places in Europe.
In 1965 the city of Dortmund took the decision not to redevelop Borussia’s then Rote Erde stadium, but instead build a new stadium. It took however until the 2nd of April 1974 for the stadium to be completed and opened with a friendly match against Schalke 04. At that moment the stadium could hold 54,000 spectators, mostly standing places.
The stadium was a venue at the 1974 World Cup, during which it hosted four games, among which the second group phase match between Holland and Brazil (2-0).
With the successes of Borussia Dortmund in the 90s the need grew for expansion and modernisation of the stadium. In two phases the capacity increased to 68,600 in 1999, and in a third phase in 2003 to its current capacity. In between, in 2001, the stadium hosted the Europa League (UEFA Cup) final between Liverpool and Alaves (5-4).
In 2006 the Signal Iduna Park was again one of the venues at a World Cup (though renamed FIFA World Cup stadium Dortmund for the occasion, and with a reduced capacity of 67,000 seats). This time it hosted 6 matches, among which the semi final between Germany and Italy (0-2 a.e.t)
Getting there
The Signal Iduna Park is located slightly (app. 3 kilometres) south of the city centre of Dortmund, in the same area as the Westfalenhallen conference centre.
The stadium can be reached by car from either the B1 (north, east, and west), or B54 (south). From the B1 take exit Im Rabenloh. The stadium lies a few hundred metres to the south. From the B54 take exit An Der Buschmühle. Drive east until you’ll turn with a curve onto the Strobelallee and head straight ahead until you see the stadium.
The stadium can be easily reached by train from the main railway station in the centre. In just 5 minutes you’ll arrive at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park station from where it’s only a 3-minute walk to the stadium.
Alternatively, you can take the metro (U-Bahn) from the centre and get off at station Westfalenhallen, from which it’s a 5-minute walk to the stadium. Both line 45 and 46 serve this station. On matchdays a special service will continue to station Westfalen Stadion which is even closer to the stadium. The stadium is furthermore within walking distance of Theodor-Fliedner-Heim station, which is on line 42.
Finally, bus line 450 also passes the Westfalenhallen, and therefore close to the Signal Iduna Park.
Address: Strobelallee 50, 44139 Dortmund
Tickets
Tickets can be bought by calling the Tickethotline +49 1805 309000, through the email contact form on Borussia Dortmund’s official website, in person at one of the selected selling outlets in the Dortmund region, or online. There is a special website for Champions league matches.
Seats are available from €28.20, with €48.70 being the most expensive ticket. Standing places cost €14.90.
Stadium tours
Stadium tours are run 4 times a week, and last about an hour. They include a visit to the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, a VIP box, and even the stadium prison. Tours start on Tuesday at noon, Friday at 4:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Reservations aren’t necessary, and tours run independent of group size. Tours do not run on matchdays.
The tour costs €6.00. More information through info@stadion-live.de.
The stadium also houses the Borusseum museum, which highlights the history of club and stadium, and contains the trophy room. Entry is €6.00. The museum opens Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Relevant Internet links:
BVB.de – Official website of Borussia Dortmund.
Signal-iduna-park.de – Official website of the Signal Iduna Park.
Stadion-live.de – Signal Iduna Park’s event management website.
Dortmund-tourismus.de – Official tourism webiste for the city of Dortmund.
Bahn.de – Train times and fares.
Bus-und-bahn.de – Bus and metro routes and times.
