Parkstadion
A former home of Schalke 04, now partly demolished.
Parkstadion is a multi-purpose stadium in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, that is no longer used to host any major events. The stadium was built in 1973 and hosted five matches of the 1974 FIFA World Cup. It had a capacity of 62,004 seats.
- Location
- Gelsenkirchen, Germany
- Surface Type
- Grass
- Current Status
- Demolished/Replaced
- Primary Tenant
- FC Schalke 04
Lore & Background
During the 1974 FIFA World Cup, Yugoslavia set the record for the biggest ever win at a FIFA World Cup with a 9–0 hammering of Zaire. The stadium hosted two UEFA Euro 1988 fixtures (West Germany against Denmark, and the Netherlands against the Republic of Ireland), as well as the first leg of the 1997 UEFA Cup final between Schalke and Internazionale. The last competitive football match played in the stadium was a 2000–01 Bundesliga fixture between Schalke and SpVgg Unterhaching on 19 May 2001. The stadium is now partly demolished and the Jumbotron that was placed atop the northern stand was donated to Erzgebirgsstadion in Aue, where it was installed during the renovations of the stadium in 2004.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the worn grass pitch as floodlights hummed overhead, casting long shadows against the concrete walls. A young player adjusted his blue and white scarf in the tunnel, listening to the distant roar of the Südtribüne building toward a crescendo. He stepped out onto the Parkstadion turf, feeling the weight of history beneath his boots. The smell of damp earth mixed with roasted chestnuts filled the air, a scent that never changed regardless of the season.
Reader's Guide
The stadium was the home ground of football club FC Schalke 04 until May 2001, before the newly built and adjacent Arena AufSchalke opened in July of the same year. Michael Jackson performed at the stadium during his Bad World Tour on 4 September 1988 and during his HIStory World Tour on 15 June 1997. The Rolling Stones performed at the stadium during their Urban Jungle Tour on 16 August 1990 and during their Bridges To Babylon Tour on 27 July 1998. Pink Floyd performed at the stadium during The Division Bell Tour on 23 August 1994.
Did You Know?
- The stadium hosted five matches of the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
- Yugoslavia set the record for the biggest ever win at a FIFA World Cup with a 9–0 victory over Zaire at this stadium.
- The last competitive match was a 2000–01 Bundesliga fixture where Schalke fans briefly celebrated a title before a last-minute equalizer by Bayern Munich.
- The Jumbotron from the northern stand was donated to Erzgebirgsstadion in Aue and installed during renovations in 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Parkstadion?
This stadium functioned as the primary venue for FC Schalke 04 on Parkstraße in Gelsenkirchen until the early 2000s.
When did it close?
The facility was replaced by the Veltins-Arena in 2001, marking the end of its nearly century-long tenure.
Why do fans love it?
Supporters cherish the steep stands and intimate atmosphere that fostered a unique bond between players and spectators.
Is it still standing?
No, the original structure was demolished after being replaced by the modern arena in Gelsenkirchen.
What events were hosted there?
Countless Bundesliga matches and European nights were held on its grass surface during the club's formative decades.
More in Veltins-Arena & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in the Schalke 04 universe
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