LEIPZIG
STADIUM
The Leipzig Stadium is the home of RB Leipzig, situated in the city of the same name in Saxony, Germany. Constructed in 2004 to replace the original stadium in Leipzig, the stadium has a capacity of 47,069 for league matches and 42,600 for international games. Initially known as the Zentralstadion, this will be the second major tournament the stadium has been utilised in following its use as a host stadium during the 2006 World Cup.
History of the Leipzig Stadium
As well as the hosting of football matches for RB Leipzig, and formerly FC Sachsen Leipzig, the Leipzig Stadium has been utilised for other purposes too. The stadium has hosted concerts by the likes of Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Depeche Mode and is frequently used by artists as a music venue.
As a football venue, there were five games played here during the 2006 World Cup – including France 0-0 South Korea and the last 16 tie between Argentina and Mexico which finished 4-1 to the Argentinians. Other matches saw the Netherlands beat Serbia and Montenegro, Spain triumph over Ukraine and Iran play out a 1-1 draw with Angola.
The stadium was given a new identity when energy drink manufacturer Red Bull bought the licence of SSV Markranstädt and renamed the team RasenBallsport Leipzig (thus, RB Leipzig). Following this, the name of the stadium, which at this time was empty following FC Sachsen Leipzig moving back to their former ground, changed to become the Red Bull Arena.
RB Leipzig have enjoyed success since the takeover, winning the DFB-Pokal in 2021-22 and 2022-23, as well as the German Super Cup in 2023. Additionally, the team have been Bundesliga runners-up on two occasions.
The Leipzig Stadium was designed with the requirements of the 2006 World Cup in mind and a standout piece of design is the roof construction with integrated floodlights. A fine example of a modern football stadium, the acoustics in the ground are superb thanks to a finely tuned sound system.
With its current official name being the Red Bull Arena, this is one of three venues with the same name across the world, the others being in New Jersey and Salzburg.
What games will be played at the Leipzig Stadium?
The Leipzig Stadium is the only ground in eastern Germany named as a host venue. There will be four games played there:
- Portugal vs Czech Republic (Group F, 18th June)
- Netherlands vs France(Group D, 21st June)
- Croatia vs Italy (Group B, 24th June)
- Winner Group D vs Winner Group F (Round of 16, 2nd July)
Location of the Leipzig Stadium
Leipzig Stadium is easily accessible from Leipzig city centre and from further afield. Here’s how to get there.
By Public Transport The stadium is around a 2km walk from the city’s Hauptbahnhof train station. As well as regional and S-Bahn services, the station is also served by a multitude of longer-distance trains, connecting Leipzig to the rest of Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. If travelling from the station on foot, the walk from Hauptbahnhof to the Arena should take around half an hour.
There is also the option of taking the tram from Hauptbahnhof, with services 7, 3 and 15 taking you to Sportforum Sud in around 10 minutes, which is just a short walk from the stadium.
By Car For those driving to the stadium, take exit 17 Leipzig-West and follow the B181 in the direction of Leipzig. From here, turn left after around 10km onto the Rückmarsdorfer Straße where, after passing under the bridge, you will reach the stadium.
Capacity of Leipzig Stadium
The Leipzig Stadium has different capacities depending on the nature of the event. For example, league matches see a capacity of 47,069 whereas for international games the capacity is limited to just over 42,000 due to governing body regulations.
Music events see a significantly larger number of people able to fit into the Leipzig Arena, with the playing surface able to accommodate many thousands of gig-goers.
