Borussia-Park the Home of Borussia Mönchengladbach and One of Germany’s Most Attended Stadiums
A state-of-the-art stadium blending modern design with passionate fan culture, Borussia-Park stands as a symbol of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s legacy and ambition.
Borussia-Park: A Modern Footballing Icon
Borussia-Park, officially stylized as Stadion im BORUSSIA-PARK, is a premier football stadium located in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Since its inauguration in July 2004, it has served as the home ground for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, replacing the aging Bökelbergstadion. Designed to meet modern safety standards and international requirements, Borussia-Park has become a cornerstone of the club’s identity and a fortress for its passionate supporters.
With a total capacity of 54,057, including 16,145 standing places on the terraces, Borussia-Park is one of the largest football stadiums in Germany. For international fixtures, the standing areas are converted into seating, reducing the capacity to 46,249 to comply with UEFA and FIFA regulations. This flexibility ensures the stadium can host both domestic and international matches while maintaining its vibrant atmosphere.
A New Era for Borussia Mönchengladbach
The construction of Borussia-Park marked a new chapter for Borussia Mönchengladbach, providing the club with a modern venue capable of accommodating its growing fanbase. The project, which cost approximately €85 million, introduced state-of-the-art facilities, including VIP lounges, a fan shop, and a sports bar, enhancing the matchday experience for supporters. Despite its modern amenities, the stadium was not selected as a venue for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, making it the largest Bundesliga stadium excluded from the tournament. However, it gained international recognition by hosting matches during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Borussia-Park’s exclusion from UEFA Euro 2024 was another disappointment, but the stadium remains one of the most attended in European football. In 2017, it ranked 13th in average occupancy rate, with an impressive 95.1% attendance—placing it between Liverpool’s Anfield and Hamburger SV’s Volksparkstadion. This high attendance rate is particularly remarkable given Mönchengladbach’s relatively small size compared to other major football hubs in Germany.
Architectural Excellence and Fan-Centric Design
Borussia-Park’s architectural design reflects a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. The stadium’s exterior features a sleek, functional design with steel and concrete elements, while its open layout ensures natural ventilation and an immersive matchday experience. The steep stands bring spectators closer to the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere that amplifies the noise and energy of the crowd.
The stadium’s 16,145-capacity standing terrace, known as the Nordkurve, is the heart of Borussia-Park’s electric atmosphere. This section, reserved for the club’s most passionate supporters, is renowned for its choreographed displays, relentless chants, and vibrant tifos. For international matches, the standing areas are converted into seating, ensuring compliance with UEFA and FIFA regulations while maintaining the stadium’s flexibility.
Modern amenities, including VIP lounges, hospitality areas, and a sports bar, cater to a diverse range of fans, from casual spectators to corporate guests. The stadium also features a large fan shop, offering supporters the opportunity to purchase official club merchandise and strengthen their connection to the team.
A Fortress of Passion and Tradition
Borussia-Park is synonymous with passionate fan culture and an electric matchday atmosphere. The Nordkurve, home to Borussia Mönchengladbach’s most dedicated supporters, plays a pivotal role in creating a hostile environment for visiting teams. The acoustics of the stadium, enhanced by its steep stands and partially covered roof, amplify the noise generated by the fans, making it one of the most intimidating venues in German football.
Matchdays at Borussia-Park are a celebration of community and tradition. Fans gather in the surrounding areas, including the sports bar and fan zones, to engage in pre-match festivities. The club’s entrance song, played as the team walks onto the pitch, sets the stage for an electrifying atmosphere that continues throughout the match.
The stadium’s high attendance rate, averaging 95.1%, is a testament to the loyalty and dedication of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s fanbase. Despite the city’s modest size, the club’s supporters consistently fill the stands, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment that rivals larger footballing hubs.
Historic Moments and Unforgettable Matches
Since its opening, Borussia-Park has been the stage for numerous historic moments and unforgettable matches. One of the most significant achievements in the club’s history came during the 2011–12 Bundesliga season, when Borussia Mönchengladbach went unbeaten in 16 out of 17 home matches, securing a top-four finish and a return to European competition.
The stadium has also witnessed remarkable victories over Bundesliga giants like Bayern Munich. On October 27, 2021, Borussia Mönchengladbach recorded a stunning 5-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal, marking one of the heaviest defeats in Bayern’s history. Another memorable result came on January 7, 2022, when Gladbach defeated Bayern 2-1 in a Bundesliga clash, further cementing Borussia-Park’s reputation as a fortress.
In European competitions, Borussia-Park has hosted thrilling encounters, including a 6-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League group stage. This emphatic win helped the club secure a historic qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in the modern era.
A Legacy of Excellence and Ambition
Borussia-Park’s legacy extends beyond its role as a football venue. It is a symbol of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s resilience, ambition, and deep connection to its supporters. Despite missing out on hosting major international tournaments like the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, the stadium remains a vital part of German football, consistently hosting high-profile Bundesliga and European matches.
Looking ahead, Borussia-Park is poised to continue its legacy as one of Germany’s premier football stadiums. With plans to modernize and enhance the fan experience, the club is committed to ensuring that Borussia-Park remains a top-class venue for years to come. As Borussia Mönchengladbach continues to compete at the highest level, the stadium will undoubtedly witness more historic moments and record-breaking performances, solidifying its place in the annals of football history.
Conclusion: A Stadium of Passion and Pride
Borussia-Park is more than just a football stadium—it is a modern fortress that embodies the passion, tradition, and ambition of Borussia Mönchengladbach. From its electric atmosphere and fan-centric design to its role in historic matches and European campaigns, the stadium has become a symbol of the club’s identity and a cherished landmark in German football. As Borussia Mönchengladbach continues its journey, Borussia-Park will remain a beacon of excellence, uniting fans and players in their shared love for the beautiful game.
