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Scotland fans in Cologne: Full matchday guide to Cologne Stadium

Written by Andy Delaney
Last Update: June 19, 2024
Published on

Scotland fans endured a night to forget in Munich on the opening night of the tournament when they saw their team lose 5-1 to Germany. However, the Tartan Army have dusted themselves down and are back in high spirits in Cologne as they prepare for their must-not-lose clash with Switzerland on Wednesday night.

If you are already in cologne or heading there shortl for the match, here is everything you need to know about the city and the Cologne stadium. But first, let's take a look at how the Scotland fans who are already there are enjoying the city.

Cologne stadium
The Cologne Stadium – Photo by Icon Sport

Scotland fans in Cologne – Latest updates

Scotland fans assist elderly man with umbrella

It was a miserable day in Cologne on Tuesday with heavy rain falling throughout the day. Despite effectively taking over the city, Scotland fans were keen to ensure locals were looked after in the bad weather. Here, a couple of Scotland fans are seen assisting an elderly man in the damp conditions.

Scotland fans party on River Rhine

It wouldn't be a trip to Cologne without a leisurely cruise down the River Rhine. Or if you're a Scotland fan, a boat party that wouldn't look out of place in Ibiza.

Scotland fans sing in the rain

As mentioned, rain was torrential in Cologne on Tuesday but that didn't stop the party as far as the Tartan Army were concerned.

How many Scotland fans are going to Cologne?

It's impossible to know an exact figure on how many Scotland fans will be in Cologne for the match against Switzerland, however, estimates from the Scottish FA and police suggest that there are around 200,000 Scotland fans currently in Germany for Euro 2024.

The official allocation for Scotland fans for the match against Switzerland at the Cologne Stadium is 10,000 tickets and it goes without saying that the Scottish FA had no issues with selling all of these. It's expected that many more Scots will be inside the stadium on matchday with Scotland fans snapping up tickets on the resale market and through the official ticket ballot.

Where do the Scotland fans sit in the Cologne Stadium?

All ‘fan first' tickets for Euro 2024 at the Cologne Stadium are situated behind the goal in the lower tier. Therefore, the majority of Scotland fans inside the Cologne Stadium on June 19th will be at one end of the stadium, which should make for a sea of blue behind one of the goals.

Fans who have picked up tickets on the resale platform or through the ballot will be dotted around elsewhere, however, they won't be behind the opposite goal as that is where Switzerland fans have been allocated. The contrast of the red and blue at either end of the stadium should make for a stunning sight in what is likely to be a crunch game for both nations.

Full fans' matchday guide for Scotland vs Switzerland

The matchday experience in Cologne should be an enjoyable one for Scotland fans, however, they will be expected to mingle with Switzerland fans who are also expected to bring large numbers across the border to Germany.

Where to eat & drink for Scotland fans in Cologne

Cologne is a hotbed for bars and restaurants and is more than capable of hosting large numbers of football fans as it is located nearby to several Bundesliga teams. There are two Euro 2024 fan zones being set up in Cologne which will be well worth a visit while the following bars are also worth checking out for a pre-match drink:

  • Barney Vallely's – Kleine Budengasse 7-11, 50667 Köln, Germany
  • Papa Joe's – Buttermarkt 37, 50667 Köln, Germany
  • The Copper Pot – Bolzengasse 7, 50667 Köln, Germany

Fan zones for Scotland fans in Cologne

As previously mentioned, Cologne has two fan zones for Euro 2024 where fans can meet up and enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and even have a kickabout. The Heumarkt fan zone will be open every day of the tournament and matches will be shown on big screens.

Meanwhile, the Public Viewing Tanzbrunnen will offer a stunning view of the river Rhine and Cologne Cathedral but will only be open for matches that are either being played in Cologne or matches involving Germany.

For Scotland fans who don't have a ticket for the match, both of these fan zones are fantastic options for watching the match with atmosphere.

How to get to the Cologne Stadium: Guide for Scotland fans in Cologne

The Cologne Stadium is around four miles away from the city centre which makes walking unsuitable for many. However, as this is a summer tournament with nice weather expected, never say never.

If you aren't prepared to walk for more than an hour then public transport is your best bet, particularly as Euro 2024 is looking to become the greenest international football tournament of all time. Head to Neumarkt station in the city centre and board a train on Train Line 1. Depart at RheinEnergieStadion and then take a short walk to the stadium.

If you can't figure out the train system, then you can always order hop in a taxi as a last resort. The journey will take around 15-20 minutes.