Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen

Opened:    
Seats:       62.004
Team:       FC Schalke 04

FC Schalke 04 is probably the most loved team in Germany (and the most loved German team in the Netherlands). Schalke 04 is a club that understands that the club belongs to the people. An attitude that is becoming rare these days. I visited this ground in 2001 when the German league (2000-2001) was almost over. FC Schalke lived through one of the biggest tragedies in German football. In the last match of the season FC Schalke was champion for only 4 minutes. Because FC Bayern München scored a goal in the 94th minute, Schalke 04 missed the championship by only 1 point.

Next to the Parkstadion a new, super modern, ground is (almost) ready for the 2001-2002 season. The 'Arena auf Schalke' is a mix of the Amsterdam Arena and the Gelredome in Arnhem. This new ground could not be visited at the time I was there.