Road to the World Cup

Focus: Frankfurt

The Stadium
Construction of Frankfurt’s recently finished Commerzbank-Arena required nothing less than a planning master stroke. Starting in July 2002, over $150 million was invested as the new venue gradually replaced the old Waldstadion, which continued to serve as the home field for famous club Eintracht Frankfurt during the process. Five separate stages, starting with the blowing up and rebuilding of the stands behind both goals, ensured that each league game could still be attended by a reasonable number of fans. Today, the 52,000 seat Commerzbank-Arena consists of seven stories, featuring an event area, VIP-boxes, presentation halls, catering rooms, offices, a fire station, 1,800 parking spaces and more.

Arguably the stadium’s most spectacular feature is the huge “pavilion roof,” which looks light as a feather, while its steel parts and its 10 miles of rope combine for a total of 5,500 Ibs. In 15 minutes time, the roof’s 97,000 sq ft “cabriolet part” can be maneuvered via telecommand and stored in a gigantic big-screen cube above the center circle. The cube’s 4 screens combine for a total of 1,300 sq ft, and the Commerzbank-Arena’s new floodlights and loudspeaker system are of the highest standard. Inside the stadium, nothing will block a single fan’s view of the matches, while huge pillars on the outside give the new venue a bit of the flair of an old Roman colosseum.

Where Do I Hang if I Don’t Have Tickets?
Even without tickets, Frankfurt will be worth a trip, and you may even want to come here a few days early. Each night from June 3 to June 5, the financial city’s skyline will host a spectacular 45 minute illumination show featuring giant pictures of soccer stars and elaborate light effects. The treat for the eyes will be presented on the walls of 11 skyscrapers with the help of 40 powerful projectors, and it can be seen from the Sachsenhausen shores. Atmospheric background music for the event will be recorded beforehand by a large musical ensemble including, among others, the Museum and Opera Orchestra and the Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Meanwhile, for the duration of the World Cup, the so-called “MainArena” will be the ultimate place to go for fans without tickets. Frankfurt’s version of the “fan fest” will transform the shores of the river Main into a colorful soccer celebration promising to be the next best thing to the stadium itself. Standing room will be created on the side of the road above the river, while bleachers will be put up and leaned against the quay bulkhead. Finally, a large lawn area will bring the “MainArena’s” capacity to 15,000, all of whom will be able to follow the action on a giant big screen above the water.

Grub, Pubs and Going All Night
Both the stadium and the public-viewing area will be conveniently located near many of Frankfurt’s eating, drinking and clubbing hotspots. The districts Sachsenhausen and Innenstadt (city center) —designated sites of the “MainArena”—are home to many regional and international restaurants, and so is the nearby Bahnhofsviertel. The Innenstadt’s Große Bockenheimer Straße is Frankfurt’s main culinary mile, offering everything from traditional Hessian cuisine to diverse dishes from all over the world. Meanwhile, the Innenstadt also features many of the city’s pubs and bars along the Neue Mainzer Straße, including popular establishments such as 22nd or the bar inside the Main Tower (see Other Must-Do’s). Another option is the historical district’s Berliner Straße, featuring, for example, Mood or the Café International. Finally, the Innenstadt might also be your choice if you’re looking to do a little dancing. The monthly Club 101 offers a spectacular view of the city from inside the Japan Tower, while Cooky’s (house and hip-hop) and Living XXL are popular as well. Alternatively, check out the clubs along Hanauer Landstraße in the nearby district Ostend.

Other Must-Do’s
At 325 yards, the Commerzbank Tower is Europe’s highest office building, while the Main Tower has opened its 56th floor to the public, offering a unique view of the city. At the same time, many parts of Frankfurt still feature picturesque houses in the region’s traditional half-timbered style. The most controversial district meanwhile remains the Bahnshofsviertel, which is home to over a hundred nationalities, while being prominent for its peepshows and brothels. On non-matchdays, check out Frankfurt’s recently extended museum area alongside the river Main, as it features the Museum für Angewandte Kunst (applied art), the Jewish Museum and much more.

How To Get Around
Assuming its return in 2006, the popular “Frankfurt Card” will be the obvious choice for anyone planning to go beyond the soccer hotspots. This year, visitors have paid about $14 for a two-day “Frankfurt Card,” enabling them to make use of all public- transportation services within city boundaries. The seemingly high price is actually reasonable, as the pass also guarantees substantial discounts (20-50%) on 21 museums, all official sightseeing and boat tours, as well as worthwhile excursion destinations such as the zoological garden. Be sure to consult the tourist information at Frankfurt’s main train station for information on the “Frankfurt Card” or alternative ways to travel.