Red Bull Arena (Leipzig)

Lore & Background

The Zentralstadion was the only stadium in former East Germany to host games in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, hosting four group matches and a round of 16 game. It also hosted three matches of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, including the third-place match, and the German League Cup final from 2005 to 2007. In July 2009, Red Bull took over the license of SSV Markranstädt and renamed the team RB Leipzig, which moved into the stadium and renamed it Red Bull Arena in 2010. The stadium also hosted the 2026 UEFA Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.

Reader's Guide

Red Bull Arena (Leipzig) holds significance as the largest football stadium in Eastern Germany and the only venue in former East Germany to host matches in both the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024. Its construction within the shell of the historic Zentralstadion preserved the exterior while creating a modern football-specific facility. The stadium's legacy includes hosting major international tournaments, the German League Cup final, and a UEFA Conference League final. It has also been a prominent concert venue for artists such as Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, and Rammstein. The stadium's naming rights were granted to Red Bull in 2010, and it has since become the home of RB Leipzig, with plans for expansion to 53,840 seats. Its design features bridges connecting the old and new structures, an integrated floodlight roof, and extensive greenery.

Did You Know?

• The stadium was built within the shell of the original Zentralstadion, which opened in 1956 and held 100,000 spectators.
• Due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, the stadium is known as RB Arena and Leipzig Arena for European matches.