Holstein-Stadion
 Work crews put the finishing touches on Holstein-Stadion's renovation in August 2006 | |
| Full name | Holstein-Stadion |
|---|---|
| Location | Westring 501, 24106 Kiel |
| Capacity |
11,386 (seating and standing) Can be expanded to 15,000 |
| Field size | 104 x 68 m |
| Construction | |
| Built | 15 October 1911 |
| Tenants | |
|
Holstein Kiel Kiel Baltic Hurricanes | |
The Holstein-Stadion is a stadium in the port city of Kiel in Northern Germany. It is the home of football club Holstein Kiel, who currently play in Germany's 3. Liga, and of the GFLs Kiel Baltic Hurricanes.
In 2005, the DFB ruled that the old stadium did not meet the body's minimal stadium requirements, claiming the stadium was no longer fit for football and was in desperate need of a substantial makeover. Failure to make the required upgrades would rule the club ineligible to play in the 2. Bundesliga or potentially result in the DFB revoking Holstein Kiel's license entirely. City government and team officials subsequently developed a plan to provide 1.6 million Euros towards the renovation of the 50-year-old stadium.
Stadium renovation
The most significant changes included the removal of the dilapidated concrete steps that formerly encircled the playing field which were in danger of collapsing and unsafe for large capacity crowds. In their place, two new covered grandstands were constructed along the former backstretch and behind the west goal. The "Nordtribüne," measuring 119 meters long, now has 954 seats, surrounded by two blocks that each provide standing room for 1200 additional fans. The 81 meter long "Westtribüne" replaced the former fan curve and provides standing room for an additional 3,380 spectators. In an attempt to improve sightlines and provide for a better fan experience, both grandstands were constructed only 8 meters from the playing field. Additional upgrades include separated entrances for players, referees and other officials, new kiosks and concession stands, improved restroom facilities, and an on-site police trailer.
The new stadium has a crowd capacity of 12,000 and can be expanded to 15,000 should the squad advance into the Bundesliga's second division. The majority of the work was completed just hours before it opened on August 9, 2006 to a 5:0 Holstein Kiel victory over 1. FC Magdeburg.
References
Coordinates: 54°20′57″N 10°07′25″E / 54.34917°N 10.12361°E