Road to the World Cup

Focus: Cologne

The Stadium
Cologne’s purpose-built RheinEnergieStadion is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful soccer venues and guarantees an intense atmosphere during matches. Each of its four trademark illuminated masts on the outside is over 235 ft high, all serving as beacons for those arriving from the west. For its design, the new 46,000 seat venue recently received an award from the International Olympic Committee and IAKS.

The original stadium was opened in 1923 as part of a huge sports complex. About 50 years later, efforts to turn the main venue into the soccer-specific Müngersdorfer Stadion were delayed due to financial miscalculations and, as a result, finished one year too late for the 1974 World Cup. Renewed reconstruction then began in December 2001 and lasted for over two years, during which the Müngersdorfer Stadion continued to serve as a home to Bundesliga soccer. In the process, all four stands were demolished and replaced, and the stadium was given an entirely new look, combining for a total construction cost of $140 million (U.S.).

In addition to powerful floodlights and two 115 sq ft scoreboards, today’s all roofed RheinEnergieStadion features many catering areas and excellent facilities for both VIPs and the press. If you have a chance, check out the rich club museum of world-famous FC Cologne, featuring many past stars of the beautiful game.

Where Do I Hang If I Don’t Have Tickets?
At last request, the official Cologne tourist information told 90:00 that no plans for next year’s supporting program have been finalized. Don’t take this as a reason not to come here, though, as the beautiful Rhine metropolis can be expected to mount a massive spectacle come World Cup 2006. For those without tickets, the “fan fest” will bring at least one official public-viewing area to the city center—presumably somewhere near the gigantic cathedral St. Peter and Maria. While hints at a “fan dorf” (fan village) have already seeped through, official information on Cologne’s plans for the summer should be released in early 2006.

Grub, Pubs and Going All Night
If you’re looking for some good food before the big match, simply walk through the historical district and have your pick. Between the cathedral St. Peter and Maria and the shores of the river Rhine, you will find everything from traditional local cuisine to international specialties. Our in-town contact recommends the restaurants of the Mercado chain, which can be found all over town. While Mercado is famous for its Mexican and Argentinian steaks, those looking for a more familiar taste might prefer the historical district’s Hard Rock Cafe with its American cuisine and frequent live music.

Then, after cheering your team to victory, come back to the historical district to celebrate with a cold Kölsch, the region’s world-famous beer. Früh, Cologne’s best-known traditional pub, is only a stone’s throw from St. Peter and Maria, and it is considered a must-do by many experts of the city. However, experience has it that its popularity might force you to wait outside, while others might be enjoying the numerous other bars of the historical district. Another pub whose myth has spread deep into the surrounding region is Klein-Köln. While not quite being around the corner, it can be conveniently reached via bus, subway or trolley.

Finally, the Rhine Metropolis is also one of the clubbing capitals of the world. The Kölner Ringe, the city’s concentric array of important streets, are home to countless discos and clubs between Friesenplatz and Rudolphplatz. Cologne being one of the world’s most liberal cities, its large gay and lesbian community regularly gathers around Marsil-Stein-Straße and the so-called “Pink Triangle” between Rudolphplatz, Friesenplatz and Neumarkt.

Other Must-Do’s
No visitor should ever leave Cologne without having seen the insides of the city’s number one landmark—the historic cathedral St. Peter and Maria. Germany’s biggest cathedral, which was completed after 600 years of construction in 1880, was built in the Gothic style and draws some 30,000 visitors every year. Inside, many items of great value can be seen, including the historic cathedral treasure. Meanwhile, 12 Romanic churches can be found along the old medieval town walls, and there is more evidence of Cologne’s rich heritage in the old City Hall and the tiny alleys of the picturesque historical district. Today, the Rhine metropolis offers many museums and theaters, while its numerous television networks also make it an important media capital. The blending of Cologne’s ever present creativity and its 1,955-year-history has resulted in a unique atmosphere that might just be the city’s greatest attraction.

How To Get Around
Pending special offers for soccer fans, the easiest way to travel in Cologne will be by means of purchasing a one-week ticket for 17 euros. If you arrive at the city’s main train station, get in a cab or, depending on your luggage, simply walk to the city center’s Neumarkt. Here, you will find a KVB KundenCenter (customer center), where an official of Cologne’s public-transportion services will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If the one-week ticket is still visitors’ first choice come June 2006, you will need a KundenKarte (customer card), into which a pass will be inserted for each desired week. Be sure to mention any plans for trips to the surrounding region to find out about KVB’s fairly inexpensive day passes.