|
The new Wald Stadium was built in the same location where its predecessor used to be, which was built in the 20's. It was reconditioned for the 1974 FIFA World Cup and it received a face lift again for the 1988 European Championship.
Among the unforgettable moments of the old Wald Stadium which are remembered with special affection are the Semifinals between Poland and West Germany, which was a non-stop war in a soaked field, and the fight between Mohammed Ali and Karl Mildenberg held in 1966.
In May, 2000, the City Hall approved the construction of a new stadium over the same place occupied by its predecessor. This decision meant a significant change regarding the original plan submitted in the original proposal which only contemplated a renovation of the current stadium.
The final decision went to the Bögl Company's design which calls for a stadium with a retractable roof and capacity for 48,000 spectators. The Mayor Achim Vandreike jokingly baptized the new stadium as the “largest convertible in the world”. |
