Our host city focus shines the spotlight on Hamburg Euro 2024.
Its stadium, the Volksparkstadion, is home to Hamburger SV, and will host 49,000 spectators for its matches in Euro 2024.
But, just in case you are not familiar with the ground, this article will take a deep dive into the facility and ensure you know everything there is to know about the Volksparkstadion ahead of the tournament.
Hamburg Euro 2024: What to expect
Contents
Key Hamburg Euro 2024 stadium facts
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Year Opened: 1953
- Capacity: 49,000
Although originally built in 1953, this is essentially a modern stadium, as the original structure was replaced when renovations took place in 1998.
A brief history of the Volksparkstadion
The huge overhaul of this stadium completely transformed the venue, at a cost of around €100m. The new arena was rotated through 90 degrees to provide a clear view from all the stands, taking advantage of the available sunlight.
Without the old running track, supporters were also located much closer to the pitch, considerably improving the atmosphere inside.
Now a Category four stadium, this arena hosted the Europa League Final between Atlético Madrid and Fulham.
How many games will Hamburg host at Euro 2024?
The stadium will host a total of five matches at the tournament, with four of those group-stage games. Those fixtures are as follows (all times are local):
Group Stage
- Poland vs Netherlands – June 16 – 3pm
- Croatia vs Albania- June 19 – 3pm
- Georgia vs Czechia – June 22 – 3pm
- Czechia v Türkiye – June 26 – 9pm
Quarter-final
- TBC vs TBC – July 5 – 9pm
Humburg Euro 2024 -Dutchmen snatch a late winner against the Poles in Euro Opener
A star-studded Dutch side went down early in the 16th minute in the European Championship opener against Poland in Group D at the Volksparkstadion. However, a determined Ducth side drew things back level 13 minutes later before the interval. Liverpool's Cody Gakpo put the Dutchmen back in the game in the 29th minute.
A late goal from former Man United player Wout Weghorst ensured Netherlands took all the points in a hard-fought duel. Poland must have missed the services of the top-scorerer Lewandowski who is nursing an injury. Lewandowski is expected to feature in the second game against Austria on 21 June 2024.
Poland vs Netherlands: Tap below for live second-half updates! 📱#EURO2024 | #POLNED
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 16, 2024
The next Euro 2024 game in Hamburger is Croatia vs Albania on June 19. Both teams have zero points after losing their 2024 European Championship openers. The Croats are expected to win their second game as they are the bookie's favourite, higher FIFA ranking notwithstanding.
Rules at Volksparkstadion for Hamburg Euro 2024
UEFA states that even if you are a regular visitor to the ground it could operate differently than usual. There are several stadium rules for the site outlined by the organisation ahead of the tournament, which are as follows:
- No bags greater than the size of A4 will be permitted within the premises
- Only power banks no larger than your phone will be allowed inside the ground
- A valid form of ID upon entry is mandatory
- No professional cameras or cane umbrellas (regular collapsable umbrellas will be permitted)
- Smoking of any kind including the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is strictly not allowed
Hamburg Euro 2024 Fan Zones
In Hamburg, Germany, football fans will create beautiful memories and experience the best of the city. Thus, apart from the Volksparkstadion being the epitome of football activities in Hamburg this year, Euro 2024 fan zones in the city are equally worth exploring.
Fan Zone Heiligengeistfeld is a place to be and jest up your Hamburg Eurp 2024 experience. The fan zone is situated at the heart of the St. Pauli district, so expect to mingle with tens of thousands of other football fans.
The physical location is Heiligengeistfeld, 20359 Hamburg but you can also make use of Google maps to navigate your way easily to the Fan Zone. Moreover, check the official UEFA website for opening and closing times for the Fan Zones in respective German cities hosting this year's European Championship, including Hamburg.
If you are visiting the Heiligengeistfeld Fan Zone by public transport, take a train from the U-Bahn stations and you will arrive in approximately 5 to 20 minutes.
You also cycle to the Fan Zone in Hamburg and take a walk from the Central station to Heiligengeistfeld, which should take you approximately 40 minutes even as you enjoy the picturesque skyline of Hamburg.
Food and drinks in Hamburg
This is the time to experience the best of Germany, so while in Heiligengeistfeld mingling with thousands of football fans, you can also enjoy German beer at your convenience. Wine, spirits, soft drinks and cocktails are also available in plenty across the city, including at Heiligengeistfeld Fan Zone.
International dishes and local German cuisines will also be served at the Hamburg Fan Zone, so have enough money to last you through the 2024 European Champioship festival.
Matchday travel for Hamburg Euro 2024
Sustainability is a massive goal of UEFA's at this tournament, and as such, all fans travelling in Germany on, or indeed before matchday, have been urged to opt for public transport over other methods such as driving. Please note there will be no parking available around the stadium on matchdays.
Thankfully, supporters with a ticket for a match at the Olympiastadion are granted a 36-hour travel pass at no additional cost for the entire HVV (Hamburger Verkehrsverbund) network. This covers a large area outside the city, so is perfect for exploring. The pass is activated from 6am on matchday until 6 pm.
Public transport in England is notoriously unreliable, but it is the opposite in Germany. An influx of fans during Euro 2024 could potentially affect its reliability, but a rough guideline for some key journey travel times within Berlin are as follows:
- Airport to stadium – 40-45min by public transport (via Stellingen or Othmarschen)
- Airport to central station – 25-30 minutes by public transport
- Central station to Fan Zone – 10-15 minutes by public transport
- Central station to the stadium – 15-20min by public transport (via Stellingen or Othmarschen)
Disabled facilities at Volksparkstadion
The Volksparkstadion has many accessibility features for those who require extra support to enjoy the games.
For those that require accessible parking spaces, permits are available to be requested during the ticket application process. However, these are not guaranteed and are on a first-come-first-served basis.
Audio-descriptive commentary for those with vision impairments will also be provided on the ground, the exact details of which will be released closer to the tournament.
Finally, there is also a wheelchair loan service in place at the stadium and several accessibility-dedicated volunteers can assist your needs on the day.
We hope everyone visiting the Volksparkstadion has a memorable and pleasant experience during their time in Germany.