The footballing world can learn a lot from German football; right from the structure of their game, through to how reasonably priced it is for fans to watch the games. English football used to be regarded as the best for atmosphere, but the noise generated in the stadiums of the Bundesliga is something that should be envied but also admired.
Moments like Thomas Muller celebrating wildly in front of the Bayern Munich supporters following victories in the domestic league or in Europe are to be cherished – players can often underestimate how much it means to fans to see their players celebrating in the same way they do.
The stadia in which the supporters worship their heroes are exceptional, and despite their modern designs, which in some countries kill the atmosphere, scenes in Germany are often breathtaking.
Thomas Muller celebrating Bayern Munich’s win over Juventus last night! pic.twitter.com/edZOc7dBZm
— Lovefootball (@Lovefootball) March 17, 2016
In England, some grounds are run-down and in desperate need of work, whilst more modern builds fail to create the famous atmosphere that once made English football the best. Germany’s stadiums are immaculate and there are no fears that you wouldn’t enjoy one of your best experiences in football. With that in mind, today we’re taking a look at three of the greatest stadiums the country has to offer.
Veltins-Arena – FC Schalke 04
Schalke’s Veltins-Arena opened in 2001, and offers a retractable roof and pitch, making it one of the best stadiums in European football. Despite being a relatively modern build, the atmosphere created on matchday is exceptional, with the club’s loyal supporters among the liveliest.
Over 60,000 supporters pack out the Veltins-Arena, creating an electric atmosphere when Schalke play their home games. It has been a disappointing 17 campaign for Schalke, sitting in Bundesliga’s mid-table – although the Europa League run to the semi-finals has offered a rare highlight for Markus Weinzierl’s side.
Millerntor-Stadium – St Pauli
Despite not featuring in the Bundesliga for a number of years, the atmosphere created by the St Pauli fans is legendary across world football, generating one of the most bizarre, but brilliant, atmospheres in Germany.
The stadium, which is situated on the docks of Hamburg, holds under 20,000 and is often sold out despite St Pauli playing in the second division. Their rebel against Germany’s richest clubs, such as Bayern Munich, has left the club behind financially, coinciding with their stint in the second division.
However, their city rivals, Hamburg, could join St Pauli as they are currently flirting with relegation in the top tier, which could take the famous atmosphere up another notch.
Westfalenstadion – Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund’s supporters are renowned for their loyal support and the amazing atmosphere they can create both domestically and in Europe.
Dortmund have just one home fixture of the season remaining and are 4/17 favourites with Paddy Power to finish the campaign with a victory over Werder Bremen. At such short odds, new customers may look to use the Oddschecker welcome offer for the bookmaker in order to receive £30 in free bets for a £10 stake and maximise their potential winnings.
The famous ‘Yellow Wall’ is at its very best on European nights, and there is no better sight in football than the sea of colour in Dortmund on matchday. Ticket pricing in Germany, where fans very rarely pay over the odds, make Tuchel’s side one of the best value for money clubs in the world.