Signal Iduna Park

Home to the Yellow Wall and Germany's biggest crowd.

Signal Iduna Park, officially known as Westfalenstadion until a 2005 sponsorship deal, stands in Dortmund as Germany's largest stadium. Built to replace the cramped Stadion Rote Erde, it opened on April 2, 1974, just in time for Borussia Dortmund to host World Cup matches despite being relegated to the second division that year. With a league capacity of 81,365 and an international limit of 65,829, it ranks as the sixth-largest stadium in Europe. Its identity is defined by the Südtribüne, the largest standing terrace in European football, which generates an atmosphere so intense it has become a tactical asset for the club.

Quick Facts

Nickname: Westfalenstadion; BVB Stadion Dortmund (UEFA competitions)
Address: Strobelallee 50
Location: Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Built: 1971–1974
Surface: Hybrid grass
Opened: 2 April 1974
Owner: Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGa
Former names: Westfalenstadion; FIFA World Cup Stadium Dortmund (2006 FIFA World Cup)

Lore & Background

The stadium's history began with necessity. After Dortmund won the 1966 Cup Winners' Cup, their old ground proved too small for the surging fanbase. With federal help unavailable, the city secured funds originally earmarked for Cologne to build a cheaper, pre-fabricated concrete arena costing 32.7 million DM. On April 2, 1974, the team moved in as the only second-division club ever to host World Cup games. In 2015, annual season ticket sales hit 55,000. While UEFA mandates seated-only seating for international matches (65,829 capacity), the domestic configuration retains 24,454 standing places in the south stand alone. The Borusseum museum now occupies the north-east section.

Reader's Guide

Visitors encounter a venue designed for maximum engagement, featuring four interior video screens and one smaller exterior screen on the north stand measuring 28 square meters. The stadium retains its glass front and under-soil heating to ensure winter playability. For international fixtures, the capacity drops from 81,365 to 65,829 due to UEFA's seated-only regulations, while domestic matches utilize the full standing configuration. Ticket prices remain among the lowest in Europe's Big Five leagues, attracting fans from England and beyond. Tours are available in English, reflecting the stadium's global draw. The name 'Signal Iduna Park' has been used since December 1, 2005, with the agreement extended until 2031.

Did You Know?

Construction workers found an undetonated 1,000-pound WWII Allied bomb just one meter below the halfway line during renovations.
The stadium holds the European record for average fan attendance, set in the 2011–12 season with an average of 80,588 per game.
Bastian Schweinsteiger stated that the Yellow Wall scared him more than any opposing player or manager.
The original plans for a 60 million DM oval stadium were scrapped to build a cheaper 54,000-capacity football arena due to budget constraints.