The Veltins Arena, formerly known as the AufSchalke Arena, is not only one of the most modern stadiums in the world, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of Sevilla fans. In 2001, this stadium was inaugurated in Gelsenkirchen and became the backdrop for one of the most iconic moments in the history of Sevilla FC. The warm welcome given to their players during the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final in 2006 is still remembered fondly by fans, especially since the club had not yet won any European titles at that time. It was in that game against Schalke 04 that Jesús Navas, who is still with Sevilla, made his mark. A Sevilla fan group called La Colina de Gelsenkirchen stands as a testament to the lasting impact of that game on the club’s supporters.
The Schalke 04 team, known for its connections to Spanish football through players like Raúl, Jurado, Escudero, Coke, Miranda, and Pablo Insúa, saw the need for a new stadium as the Parkstadion began to show its age in the early 2000s. Architects Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partners designed the futuristic Veltins Arena, with a capacity of around 62,000 spectators (slightly reduced for international competitions to just over 50,000). This state-of-the-art stadium featured a glass facade and a retractable roof made of a three-dimensional metal structure covered in Teflon and fiberglass. In addition to the roof, the stadium’s design also allowed the pitch to be moved out through the south exit, protecting the grass during major events.
In 2005, the Arena AufSchalke was renamed the Veltins Arena following a sponsorship deal with the brewery. Inside the stadium, a system of pipes ensures that beer reaches all the concession stands. The unique feature of this stadium is the use of “knappen,” an artificial currency that can only be used within the stadium premises. One knappen is equivalent to one euro. Fans exchange their money for a knappen card that can be loaded with up to 150 euros, which they can spend as they wish. At the end of the event, any remaining funds are converted back into euros. Apart from hosting events like the Eurocup, this summer, the Veltins Arena is preparing to welcome Taylor Swift for a concert.
The Veltins Arena continues to be a symbol of innovation and convenience for fans, offering a unique experience with its own currency system and modern design. As Sevilla fans cherish the memories of their historic match at the stadium, the Veltins Arena stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of that game in the hearts of football fans.