The grass pitch sits on a 11,400-ton mobile concrete tray that moves outside the stadium to allow natural light and maintenance.
The stadium roof consists of 24 steel trusses covered with a Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane that can be opened or closed in under 30 minutes.
The arena features a four-sided Jumbotron hanging above the center of the pitch, the first of its kind in a German stadium.
The facility is integrated with a complex beer pipeline system that delivers fresh beer to various kiosks throughout the concourse.
It hosted the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final.
The south stand can be completely retracted to expand the interior floor space for large-scale concerts or events.
The arena hosted the opening game of the 2010 IIHF World Championship, setting a then-world record for ice hockey attendance with 77,803 spectators.
The VELTINS-Arena is a multi-purpose stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, serving as the home ground for the football club FC Schalke 04. It features a fully retractable roof and a pitch that can be moved outside the stadium on a concrete tray to maintain grass quality and host non-sporting events. The structure includes a ground-breaking mobile pitch system that glides through the southern exterior wall. The arena is equipped with an under-pitch heating system and a retractable south stand. It serves as a major hub for concerts, motorsports, and international sporting championships. The total capacity exceeds 60,000 spectators for football matches. It officially opened in 2001 and remains a central landmark in the Ruhr region.
From the upper tiers of the stands to capture the full scale of the retractable roof and the pitch.
Book a guided tour in advance to see the pitch tray mechanism and the internal tunnel areas.
Visit the Schalke Museum on-site to understand the club's deep history and connection to local coal mining.
Wear club colors if attending a match to blend in with the local fan base.
Do not attempt to access the pitch-moving mechanism area or restricted service tunnels.
The stadium is frequently closed to the public on match days and during major concert set-up periods; guided tours are subject to the club's training schedule.
Respect the 'Nordkurve' area as the primary zone for the most dedicated supporters; avoid wearing opposing team colors in home-designated sections.
