Fritz-Walter-Stadion (German pronunciation: [fʁɪt͡sˈvaltɐˌʃtaːdi̯ɔn] ⓘ) is the home stadium of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and is located in the city of Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It was one of the stadia used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It is named after Fritz Walter (1920–2002), who played for the Kaiserslautern club throughout his career and was captain of the Germany national football team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup in the "Miracle of Bern". The stadium was built on the Betzenberg hill, hence its nickname "Betze" (German pronunciation: [ˈbɛt͡sə] ⓘ), and was opened in 1920.
Betze | |
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| Former names | Betzenbergstadion (1920–1985) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
| Coordinates | 49°26′4″N 7°46′34″E / 49.43444°N 7.77611°E |
| Public transit | Kaiserslautern Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) |
| Owner | Fritz-Walter-Stadion Kaiserslautern GmbH |
| Capacity | 49,327 (league matches) 47,103 (international matches) |
| Record attendance | 50,754 (1. FC Kaiserslautern 1–1 Bayern Munich, 6 May 2006) |
| Field size | 105 x 68 m |
| Surface | grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1920 |
| Opened | 13 May 1920 (FV 1900 Kaiserslautern 0–2 FC Pfalz Ludwigshafen) |
| Renovated | 1932, 1945–1946, 1948, 1953, 1963, 1966, 1972–1973, 1978, 1986, 1993–1994, 1998, 2002–2005 |
| Architect | Folker Fiebiger |
| Tenants | |
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern Germany national football team (selected matches) | |
| Website | |
| Fritz-Walter-Stadion | |
Renovation
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In preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the stadium underwent a €76,5 million renovation beginning in 2002 that added a media center and a new floodlight system. The capacity was also increased from 38,500, of which 18,600 were standing, to 49,850, of which 16,363 are standing. Since 1 April 2023, the official capacity has been 49,327.
2006 FIFA World Cup
editThe stadium was one of the venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The following games were played at the stadium:
| Date | Time (CET) | Team #1 | Res. | Team #2 | Round | Spectators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June 2006 | 15:00 |  Australia |
3–1 |  Japan |
Group F | 46,000 |
| 17 June 2006 | 21:00 |  Italy |
1–1 |  United States |
Group E | 46,000 |
| 20 June 2006 | 21:00 |  Paraguay |
2–0 |  Trinidad and Tobago |
Group B | 46,000 |
| 23 June 2006 | 16:00 |  Saudi Arabia |
0–1 |  Spain |
Group H | 46,000 |
| 26 June 2006 | 17:00 | Italy |
1–0 | Australia |
Round of 16 | 46,000 |
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The 1. FCK logo, the logo of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the Betzenberg Devil on the side of the north stand -
View of the stadium from the north-east -
The Fritz-Walter-Stadion in the year 2000 -
The west stand, home of the most fervent FCK supporters, in 2000. -
The north stand (main stand) -
The east stand from the outside -
Aerial view of the stadium -
View towards the south-west corner
See also
editReferences
editExternal links
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- Fritz Walter Stadion, 1. FC Kaiserslautern Information and Image Gallery