This summer, Euro 2024 will ignite a month-long football frenzy across 10 magnificent stadiums, each with its own rich history and passionate atmosphere. While they won’t be hosting UEFA Champions League finals (that’s a separate competition), get ready for the top 10 Euro 2024 stadiums hosting the finals UEFA Champions, as below:
1. Olympiastadion Berlin (Berlin)
- Stadium capacity: 71,000
- Home team: Hertha Berlin
- Notably hosted: 2006 FIFA World Cup final, 2015 UEFA Champions League final
Steeped in history, this iconic stadium hosted the 1936 Olympics and the 2006 World Cup final. Prepare for a grand spectacle under the Berlin sky.
Berlin has been the capital of Germany since the reunification in 1990, making it a captivating and multifaceted destination. This city is brimming with historical and cultural landmarks, with notable tourist attractions such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the impressive 368m-tall TV tower. The observation deck of the TV tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
2. RheinEnergieStadion (Cologne)
- Stadium capacity: 43,000
- Home team: 1. FC Köln
- Notably hosted: 2020 UEFA Europa League final
Cologne, a city steeped in history, is situated on the banks of the River Rhine and boasts a population of over one million people. It is also renowned for housing Germany’s most popular attraction, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, which holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cologne Stadium, the official home of 1. FC Köln, underwent extensive renovations to accommodate matches during the 2006 World Cup. Since 2010, it has become the designated venue for Germany’s Women’s Cup final, in addition to hosting a variety of events such as American football games, ice hockey matches, and music concerts.
3. Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund)
- Stadium capacity: 62,000
- Home team: Borussia Dortmund
- Notably hosted: 2001 UEFA Cup final
Dortmund, once recognized mainly for its coal, steel, and beer industries half a century ago, has now transformed into a prominent technological center. Serving as the cultural epicenter of the Ruhr region, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene and proudly showcases its sporting legacy at the renowned German Football Museum.
4. Merkur Spiel-arena (Düsseldorf)
- Stadium capacity: 47,000
- Home team: Fortuna Düsseldorf
- Notably hosted: 1988 UEFA European Championship group games (former Rheinstadion)
Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, boasts a population of 650,000 residents and is renowned for its vibrant Old Town, often referred to as ‘the longest bar in the world’, with over 250 beer houses and restaurants.
Despite being one of the smaller venues for UEFA EURO 2024, the Düsseldorf Arena can accommodate well over 40,000 spectators. Currently, it serves as the home stadium for Fortuna Düsseldorf, who last competed in the Bundesliga during the 2019/20 season.
5. Arena AufSchalke (Gelsenkirchen)
- Stadium capacity: 50,000
- Home team: Schalke
- Notably hosted: 2004 UEFA Champions League final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final
Gelsenkirchen is famous for its coal mining and steelmaking past, but nowadays tourists can enjoy green areas, theaters, boat trips, and industrial heritage in the Ruhr region.
The Arena AufSchalke, inaugurated in August 2001, serves as the headquarters for Schalke, seven-time German champions and winners of the 1996/97 UEFA Cup. It boasts a retractable roof and a sliding pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo created a lasting memory here for Portugal during their shootout victory against England in the 2006 World Cup.
6. Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt)
- Stadium capacity: 47,000
- Home team: Eintracht Frankfurt
- Notably hosted: 2002 UEFA Women’s Cup final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final
Frankfurt, located on the banks of the river Main, is a prominent center for commerce and finance worldwide. It is the fifth largest city in Germany and is often referred to as ‘Mainhattan’ due to its unique skyline.
The renowned Frankfurt Arena, established in 1925, serves as the home stadium for Eintracht Frankfurt. Over the years, it has been a prestigious venue for numerous significant tournaments, including the 1988 UEFA European Championship and the 2006 World Cup.
7. Volksparkstadion (Hamburg)
- Stadium capacity: 49,000
- Home team: Hamburger SV
- Notably hosted: 2010 Europa League final, 2006 World Cup quarter-final
Hamburg, the third largest city in Europe that is not a capital, boasts a renowned harbor, a vibrant cultural heritage, remarkable architectural wonders, and an exhilarating nightlife that entices countless tourists to add it to their must-visit destinations.
The Volksparkstadion Hamburg, initially inaugurated in 1953, underwent a substantial renovation in 2000. It has proudly hosted matches during prestigious events such as the 1988 UEFA European Championship, as well as the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.
8. Leipzig Stadium (Leipzig)
- Stadium capacity: 40,000
- Home team: RB Leipzig
- Notably hosted: 2006 World Cup group stage and round of 16 games
Leipzig, once the residence of Johann Sebastian Bach, is immersed in a rich tapestry of culture and history. Particularly noteworthy are the peaceful demonstrations in 1989, which encapsulated the prevailing sentiment as Germany embarked on its journey towards reunification.
9. Allianz Arena (Munich)
- Stadium capacity: 66,000
- Home team: Bayern München
- Notably hosted: 2012 UEFA Champions League final, EURO 2020 quarter-final
Munich, the third largest city in Germany, is home to approximately 1.6 million residents. This vibrant city is rich in history, art galleries, parks, and beer gardens.
The Munich Football Arena, constructed by local rivals Bayern München and 1860 München, was inaugurated in 2005. Although initially a joint venture, Bayern now owns the stadium outright. The arena hosted the memorable 2012 Champions League final, where Chelsea triumphed over Bayern on penalties despite the home advantage. Additionally, it was a venue for several UEFA EURO 2020 matches, including Italy’s 2-1 quarter-final win against Belgium.
10. Mercedes-Benz Arena (Stuttgart)
- Stadium capacity: 51,000
- Home team: VfB Stuttgart
- Notably hosted: 1998 European Cup final, 2006 World Cup third-place play-off
Stuttgart, a prominent industrial hub, boasts the presence of two globally renowned car manufacturers, Mercedes and Porsche. However, beyond its industrial prowess, visitors can indulge in a vibrant winemaking and culinary culture. Among the local delicacies, Flädlesuppe (pancake soup) stands out as a must-try dish.
Each stadium brings its own unique character to the Euro 2024 experience. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, prepare to be captivated by the atmosphere and the world-class football on display across these ten German venues.
