HDI Arena

The HDI Arena, until 2013 known as AWD Arena and until 2002 called Niedersachsenstadion, was constructed between 1952 and 1954. The ground, which cost 4 million DM to build, opened on the 26th of September 1954.

The first match at the Niedersachsenstadion was played three weeks later. The tie between the national sides of West-Germany and France ended in a 1-3 victory for the guests. The ground could initially hold 86,656 spectators.

The Niedersachsenstadion had been built by the city of Hanover to host multiple sports, and it was only from 1958 that Hannover 96 started using the ground for their most notable home matches.

Their regular home remained Eilenriedestadion until the club made the permanent move to the Niedersachsenstadion in 1964.

Soon after, the ground got selected as a playing venue for the 1974 World Cup and as a result extensively renovated. Works included, among others, the Building work on a roof that covered part of the stands.

Throughout the World Cup, the Niedersachsenstadion staged two matches in the first group stage and another two in the second group stage, most notably the match between Brazil and Argentina (2-1).

Fourteen years later, the ground was again chosen as a playing venue for a significant tournament, this time the 1988 European Championships. During that tournament, the ground staged two first round group matches.

In 2002, the ground changed names to AWD Arena as the result of a sponsorship deal. Soon after works started on a new round of redevelopments to prepare the ground to host matches throughout the 2006 World Cup. The €66-million modernisation plans involved the almost complete rebuilding of the ground and the installation of a new roof. Works were completed in early 2005.

Throughout the World Cup, the AWD Arena staged four group matches and the quarter-final between France and Spain (3-1).

In 2013, the AWD Arena changed names again following the take-over and renaming of insurance firm AWD by Swiss Life. The new naming sponsor was another insurance firm, HDI Gruppe, resulting in the name HDI Arena.

(images of the current HDI Arena below)

The HDI Arena is situated about 1.5 kilometres, or 20 minutes on footing, south of Hanover's downtown area. The walk from the main rail station takes 5 to 10 minutes longer.

The ground can also be reached by commuter rail (S-Bahn). The ground is served by line S3, S7, S9, and S17, which all pass through the centre (Kröpcke or Thielenplatz) and the rail station (Hauptbahnhof). Either get off at station Waterloo (S3, S7, and S9), or at station Stadionbrücke (S3, S7, and S17). Both stations lie a 5 to 10-minute walk away from the ground.

Alternatively, bus 100 and 200 connect the ground with the downtown area. Get off at stop HDI Arena (AWD Arena).

Address: Robert-Enke-Straße 3, 30169 Hannover

The HDI Arena is situated in a pleasant area surrounded by other sports facilities, parks, and the Schützenplatz Hannover, a large fairground.

Several dining and drinks options directly close to the ground, and many more a short walk away in Hanover's downtown area.

If you wish to stay close to the ground and have a large budget, the Courtyard by Marriott Hannover Maschsee will likely have your preference as a hotel. For those on a tighter budget, Hotel Ahrberg Viertel is an option just west of the ground.

You could also pick a hotel on the southern edge of the downtown area, from where it is about 10 minutes on footing to the ground. Garni Hotel Reverey, Mercure Hotel Hannover City, and Lühmanns Hotel am Rathaus all get good reviews and are reasonably priced.

Use the linked guides to see all hotels close to the HDI Arena, and here for more hotels in Hanover's downtown area.

Admission for Hannover 96 matches are sold online, by phone +49 (0) 1805 1896 00, at the Fanshop at the HDI Arena, at the Fanshop at the Rathenaustraße 21 in the downtown area, or at one of the other authorised sales points, of which several in Hanover's downtown area.

If tickets remain available, these are available at the ticket windows of the ground on the day of the match. In the Bundesliga, Hannover usually sell out about half of their league matches in a season, but in the 2. Bundesliga they only sell out the local derbies.

Tickets prices start at €20.00 for a seat behind the goal and range up to €40.00 for a central seat at the main stand. Standing costs €12.00.

Visitors will find a seating plan here.

Hannover 96 organise guided venue tours of the HDI Arena that cover the VIP areas, mixed zone, and press room. The tours last between 70 and 90 minutes.

Tours usually only run a few times a month. Check the official website for the current schedule and to book online. Email stadionfuehrung@hannover96.de or call +49 (0) 511 96900 400 Additional information.

The tour price is €7.00.