Fritz-Walter-Stadion (German pronunciation: [fʁɪt͡sˈvaltɐˌʃtaːdi̯ɔn] ) is the home stadium of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and is located in the city of Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It was one of the stadia used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It is named after Fritz Walter (1920–2002), who played for the Kaiserslautern club throughout his career and was captain of the Germany national football team that won the 1954 FIFA World Cup in the "Miracle of Bern". The stadium was built on the Betzenberg hill, hence its nickname "Betze" (German pronunciation: [ˈbɛt͡sə] ), and was opened in 1920.

Quick Facts Former names, Location ...
Fritz-Walter-Stadion
Betze
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Former namesBetzenbergstadion (1920–1985)
LocationKaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Coordinates49°26′4″N 7°46′34″E
Public transitKaiserslautern Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
OwnerFritz-Walter-Stadion Kaiserslautern GmbH
Capacity49,327 (league matches)
47,103 (international matches)
Record attendance50,754 (1. FC Kaiserslautern 1–1 Bayern Munich, 6 May 2006)
Field size105 x 68 m
Surfacegrass
Construction
Built1920
Opened13 May 1920 (1920-05-13) (FV 1900 Kaiserslautern 0–2 FC Pfalz Ludwigshafen)
Renovated1932, 1945–1946, 1948, 1953, 1963, 1966, 1972–1973, 1978, 1986, 1993–1994, 1998, 2002–2005
ArchitectFolker Fiebiger
Tenants
1. FC Kaiserslautern
Germany national football team (selected matches)
Website
Fritz-Walter-Stadion
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Renovation

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Fritz-Walter-Stadion when empty
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The stadium in 2023 during a league match

In preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the stadium underwent a €76,5 million renovation beginning in 2002 that added a media center and a new floodlight system. The capacity was also increased from 38,500, of which 18,600 were standing, to 49,850, of which 16,363 are standing. Since 1 April 2023, the official capacity has been 49,327.

2006 FIFA World Cup

The stadium was one of the venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The following games were played at the stadium:

More information Date, Time (CET) ...
Date Time (CET) Team #1 Res. Team #2 Round Spectators
12 June 200615:00Australia Australia3–1Japan JapanGroup F46,000
17 June 200621:00Italy Italy1–1United States United StatesGroup E46,000
20 June 200621:00Paraguay Paraguay2–0Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and TobagoGroup B46,000
23 June 200616:00Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia0–1Spain SpainGroup H46,000
26 June 200617:00Italy Italy1–0Australia AustraliaRound of 1646,000
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See also

References

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