Red Bull Arena (Leipzig) facts for kids
|
RB Arena (UEFA competitions)
|
|
|
|
| Full name | Red Bull Arena |
|---|---|
| Former names | Zentralstadion (2004–2010) |
| Address | Am Sportforum 3 Leipzig, Saxony, Germany |
| Owner | Red Bull Arena Besitzgesellschaft mbH |
| Operator | RasenBallsport Leipzig GmbH |
| Capacity | 47,800 (league matches) 45,228 (international matches) |
| Field size | 105 m × 68 m (115 yd × 74 yd) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
| Construction | |
| Built | 2000–2004 |
| Opened | 17 November 2004 |
| Renovated | 2015 |
| Construction cost | €116 million |
| Tenants | |
| FC Sachsen Leipzig (2004–2009) RB Leipzig (2010–present) Germany national football team (selected matches) |
|
The Red Bull Arena (also called RB Arena for European games) is a large football stadium in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. It is the biggest football stadium in Eastern Germany. Many exciting football matches and music concerts happen here.
The stadium first opened in 2004. It is now the home field for the Bundesliga team RB Leipzig. Before that, another team called FC Sachsen Leipzig used the stadium until 2009.
Contents
A Stadium with a Story
The Old Zentralstadion
The story of the Red Bull Arena actually starts with an older stadium. In 1956, the first Zentralstadion opened in Leipzig. It was one of the largest stadiums in Europe back then. It could hold 100,000 fans! Many local football teams played there over the years.
However, as time passed, the old stadium became too expensive to keep up. It was not used as much anymore. So, in 1997, the city of Leipzig decided to build a brand new stadium. This new stadium would be modern and just for football.
Building the New Arena
Construction for the new stadium began in December 2000. It took about four years to build, finishing in March 2004. What's cool is that the new stadium was built inside the walls of the old one! This kept some of the history of the original Zentralstadion. It's like building a new house inside an old, grand shell.
Exciting Moments and New Names
Big Football Tournaments
The Zentralstadion, as it was called then, was the only stadium in eastern Germany to host games for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It held four group matches and one knockout game during that big tournament. A year before, it also hosted three matches for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup.
A New Team and a New Name
For a few years, FC Sachsen Leipzig used the stadium. But in 2009, an energy drink company called Red Bull took over a local football team. They renamed it RasenBallsport Leipzig, or RB Leipzig for short. This new team wanted to play in the Zentralstadion.
On March 25, 2010, the stadium officially changed its name to the Red Bull Arena. This name will be used for at least 10 years. RB Leipzig became the main team playing there. They also promised to make improvements to the stadium, like upgrading seats and adding new video screens.
Stadium Upgrades
The Red Bull Arena has grown over time. In 2018, plans were made to expand the stadium. By the summer of 2021, the stadium's capacity increased to 53,840 seats. This means even more fans can come and watch the games!
Stadium Features
Inside the Arena
The Red Bull Arena has special bridges that connect the new stadium to the old structure. The roof has lights built right into it. It also helps make the sound inside the stadium really clear for everyone. The actual grass field where the players run is 105 meters long and 68 meters wide. The stadium area is also surrounded by many trees and green spaces.
Stadium Size
- North to South: 230 meters
- East to West: 210 meters
- Height to Roof: 46.5 meters
- Roof Area: 28,100 square meters
World Cup 2006 Matches
The Red Bull Arena was a host for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It was the only stadium in eastern Germany to be part of this huge event. Here are the games that were played there:
| Date | Time (CEST) | Team #1 | Result | Team #2 | Round | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 June 2006 | 15:00 | Serbia and Montenegro  |
0–1 |  Netherlands |
Group C | 43,000 |
| 14 June 2006 | 15:00 | Spain  |
4–0 |  Ukraine |
Group H | 43,000 |
| 18 June 2006 | 21:00 | South Korea  |
1–1 |  France |
Group G | 43,000 |
| 21 June 2006 | 16:00 | Iran  |
1–1 |  Angola |
Group D | 38,000 |
| 24 June 2006 | 21:00 | Argentina  |
2–1 (a.e.t.) |  Mexico |
Round of 16 | 43,000 |
Euro 2024 Matches
The stadium also hosted games for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. Again, it was the only stadium in eastern Germany to do so. Here are the matches played there:
| Date | Time (CEST) | Team #1 | Result | Team #2 | Round | Spectators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 June 2024 |
|
Portugal  |
|
 Czech Republic |
|
38,421 |
| 21 June 2024 |
|
Netherlands |
|
 France |
|
38,531 |
| 24 June 2024 |
|
Croatia  |
|
 Italy |
|
38,322 |
| 2 July 2024 |
|
Austria  |
|
 Turkey |
|
38,305 |
More Than Just Football
The Red Bull Arena is not only for football games. It's also a popular place for concerts! Many famous musicians have performed here. Some of these include Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Bon Jovi, Depeche Mode, AC/DC, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Helene Fischer, Rammstein, and P!nk.
Images for kids
-
Red Bull Arena with Festwiese
-
Leipzig city centre with Red Bull Arena to the right
See also
In Spanish: Red Bull Arena (Leipzig) para niños
- List of football stadiums in Germany
- Lists of stadiums
