Located in the midst of the Ruhr metropolitan region, the third largest conurbation in Europe, Gelsenkirchen is home to more than 5 million people. Another 30 million live within just a two-hour drive. And roughly 40% of the EU population lives within a radius of 500km. In recent years, the former mining town has become a popular leisure, cultural and recreational area. Gelsenkirchen is one of the ten greenest cities in Germany.
An unparalleled variety of events, a long list of technical superlatives and an intoxicating atmosphere make the Arena AufSchalke one of the most impressive multipurpose venues anywhere in Europe. According to the motto ‘Everything a class better!’, the Schalke stadium constantly sets new standards with a successful mix of entertainment, sport and music events.
Since its opening in 2001 the Arena AufSchalke has established itself as a top European venue. Today the biggest open-air stage anywhere, tomorrow the home ground of FC Schalke 04, the day after tomorrow an exhibition centre, opera house or cathedral of boxing – the Arena AufSchalke is a veritable quick-change artist. Within just a few hours it can be transformed into a venue for almost every event imaginable.
Schalke’s home ground regularly attracts a full house of 62,271 spectators. Yet the Arena AufSchalke enjoys a particularly good reputation as a venue. European football’s governing body, UEFA, awarded the multipurpose stadium a maximum of five stars, writing in its assessment: “This venue fulfils more than all the requirements and can even be qualified as a six-star venue.”