Signal Iduna Park

Signal Iduna Park, before 2005 called Westfalenstadion, was developed to act as a playing venue for the 1974 World Cup.

Until then Dortmund had played their home matches at Stadion Rote Erde, and while an enlargement of that stadium was first considered, in the end was chosen to build a new arena all together.

Westfalenstadion was formally inaugurated on the 2nd of April 1974 with a friendly between Dortmund and Schalke 04. The ground back then only consisted of one tier that could hold 54,000 spectators, of which 37,000 standing.

The ground stood out because of its rectangular shape in a time when most large stadiums were still bowl-shaped, and its four separate stands served as inspiration for a new generation of stadiums. Ibrox Stadium's major renovation in the late 1970s was, for example, largely based on Westfalenstadion.

Throughout the 1974 World Cup, Westfalenstadion staged three first round group matches and the second round group match between Holland and Brazil (2-0).

The ground remained largely unchanged until the early 1990s, when the increased successes of Dortmund grew the need for enlargement.

Works started with the conversion of part of the standing areas into seats, actually reducing capacity, but then continued in 1995 with the Building work on a second tier on top of the East and West Stand.

Shortly after, building works started on a second tier for the North and South Stand, which were completed in 1999. The ground could then hold 68,600 spectators, and the 25,000-capacity South Stand had become the largest terrace of Europe.

In 2001, Westfalenstadion was the venue for the UEFA Cup final between Liverpool and Alavés (5-4).

The major renovation of the ground was completed between 2002 and 2003 when all four corners got closed up with stands. Two years later, in 2005, the ground changed name to Signal Iduna Park as a result of a sponsorship deal.

In 2006, Signal Iduna Park was one of the playing venues of the 2006 World Cup. Temporarily renamed and with a reduced capacity of 67,000 seats, the ground staged four group matches, a round of 16 match, and the semi-final between Germany and Italy (0-2).

(images of the current Signal Iduna Park below)

Signal Iduna Park is situated in the south of Dortmund close to the Westfalenhallen conference centre. Dortmund's downtown area and main rail station are about 3 kilometres away.

The ground is reachable by car via either the B1 (north, east, and west), or B54 (south). If coming from the B1, take exit Im Rabenloh. The ground lies a few hundred metres to the south. If arriving from the B54, take exit An Der Buschmühle. Drive east until you will turn with a curve onto the Strobelallee and head straight ahead until you see the ground.

Signal Iduna Park can be without difficulty reached by train from Dortmund's main railway station in the centre. In just 5 minutes you will arrive at Dortmund Signal Iduna Park station, from where it is a short walk to the ground. Trains usually run three to four times an hour.

Alternatively, you can take the U-Bahn from downtown and get off at station Westfalenhallen, from where it is a 5-minute walk to the ground. Both line 45 and 46 serve the station.

On match days, visitors will find a special service that will continue to station Stadion, which is even closer to the ground.

The ground is in addition within a short walk of Theodor-Fliedner-Heim station, which is on U-Bahn line 42.

Address: Strobelallee 50, 44139 Dortmund GeographicReference

Signal Iduna Park is situated next to conference centre Westfalenhallen, which means that there are quite a few hotels close to the ground. Mercure Hotel Dortmund Messe is situated right across the ground and gets good reviews. Arcadia Grand Hotel and Steinberger Dortmund are other options. Expect to pay over €100 a night though. Hotel Gildenhof and B&B Hotel Dortmund Messe are cheaper alternatives. Use the linked guides To browse hotels near Signal Iduna Park.

As the ground is easy to reach from Dortmund's downtown area, you can just as well stay there. Dortmund is not the most interesting city, but there is more entertainment around than close to the ground. There are more cheaper hotels in the centre as well. Use the linked guides for the options.

If you are planning to stay more than one day or want to join the nightlife, Düsseldorf or Bochum (for nightlife) might be better options to find accomodation. S-Bahn line S1 and regional trains directly connect both cities with Dortmund's main railway station.

Visitors will find a nice beer garden next to the ground which is great if you pass by for a tour on non-matchdays.

Admission for Borussia Dortmund games are sold online, by phone +49 1805 309000 (Tickethotline), in person at the BVB Fanwelt clubshop at the ground, or at one of the other sales points in the Dortmund area.

Dortmund sell out Signal Iduna Park pretty much every match, and most league matches sell out right after coming on general sale. As a result make sure to be prepared and buy straightaway when the tickets go on sale.

In the rare case that a match does not sell out, tickets can also be bought at the ticket office of Signal Iduna Park from 4.5 hours before kickoff.

If you do miss out and wish to buy Admission for a sold out match, secondary ticket websites such as viagogo offer a generally reliable alternative. Of course, be prepared to pay well over face value.

Tickets range in price from €31.20 for a seat in the upper corners to €54.40 for a central seat for the main stand. A ticket for the South Stand (standing) costs €16.70. Prices are increased with 20% for the games versus Schalke and Bayern.

Visitors will find a seating plan here.

Borussia Dortmund organise guided venue tours that cover the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, VIP areas, mixed zone, stadium prison, and Borusseum club museum (including trophy room). The tour lasts around 90 minutes, or 120 minutes for the PLUS version including the South Stand.

Tours usually run two to three times a day, generally at 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm and 4:00pm, but the schedule varies depending on the season. There are additional tours on the weekend, including one English-language tour.

There are no tours on match days. The Borusseum opens daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Tickets are sold online, at the Borusseum, or at any of the other matchday ticket sales points in the Dortmund area. Tickets can also be bought before the start of the tour, though the group size is limited to 40 people and it is as a result advised to arrive early.

The tour price is €12.00, which covers the museum. Further details are available by email at stadiontour@bvb.de or call +49 231 90 20 6600.