Arena AufSchalke Stadium

Address: Veltins-Arena (formerly Arena AufSchalke), Stadionstraße 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Website: https://www.veltins-arena.de

Arena AufSchalke, commercially known as the Veltins-Arena, is a multi-purpose stadium in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the home ground of FC Schalke 04. Opened in 2001, it was designed to host football matches, concerts and other large events.

The stadium is noted for its retractable roof and an engineering solution that allows the grass pitch to be moved out of the arena for maintenance or events. Its seating capacity is around 62,000 for domestic football matches, and it regularly hosts national and international sporting fixtures and major concerts.

The arena was constructed on the site of the former Parkstadion and forms a focal point for large-scale events in the Ruhr region.

• Capacity: Capacity is approximately 62,000 spectators for football matches, with configurations that vary for concerts and other events.
• Design features: Features a retractable roof and a movable pitch that can be slid out of the stadium to preserve the grass surface and allow non-sporting events on the floor space.

Arena AufSchalke (Veltins‑Arena) is in Gelsenkirchen, immediately beside the A42 motorway - follow signs for the arena from the A42 exits serving Gelsenkirchen. From central Gelsenkirchen it is a short drive (a few kilometres) and there is on‑site/event parking on match or event days.

By public transport, Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof is the main rail hub for the city; from there take a short taxi, local bus or event shuttle to the arena (regular local buses and special event services serve the stadium area). Expect a short walk from the nearest bus/shuttle stop to the stadium entrance.

• For events and match days, arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off and use public transport-regional trains and event shuttle services to Gelsenkirchen are far quicker than driving because roads and parking fill early.
• Book the guided stadium tour online in advance and choose weekday morning slots; tours often include pitch level and roof access that many visitors skip when they only come for a match.
• To avoid the biggest crowds leaving the arena, hang back 20-30 minutes after the event or use less-promoted exits on the opposite side from the main fan flows; concession queues also drop sharply after the first 20 minutes of halftime or post-match.