Road to the World Cup

Focus: Leipzeg

The Stadium
Leipzig’s two-year-old Zentralstadion has been surrounded by controversy, as Stiftung Warentest, Germany’s well-respected organization for product testing, recently discovered “considerable shortcomings” in the venue’s safety. However, this announcement was criticized harshly by the Zentralstadion’s operators, who accused Stiftung Warentest of “scaremongering” and “unqualified examination method,” while considering the stadium one of the safest in the country.

What remains certain is that the Zentralstadion is one of the world’s most modern venues, its construction setting standards in both architecture and engineering. In 1997, the city decided to build the new soccer temple inside the outer walls of the old Zentralstadion. Today, the historic remains are connected to the new stands via bridges, which many fans have crossed on their way to the trademark turquoise seats. Leipzig’s 45,000 seat “schüssel” (bowl) cost the sum of $140 million (U.S.). It serves as the heart of the Sportforum, which is also home to a fairground and the sports hall Arena Leipzig. Among the teams playing their group matches in Leipzig this summer will be France, the Netherlands and Spain.

One of the highlights of the Zentralstadion is its spectacular roof with the integrated floodlight system. In addition, the venue features a 637 sq ft big screen as well as a perfectly tuned sound system. For those willing to spend the extra buck, a 10,764 sq ft business lounge is ready and waiting, and so are 18 VIP boxes. If you’re planning on car-pooling to the stadium, the integrated parking garage offers approximately 500 spaces. The Zentralstadion’s safety will be secured by 72 cameras.

Where Do I Hang If I Don’t Have Tickets?

If you’re one of the many soccer nuts determined to breathe World Cup air even without a ticket, Leipzig’s version of the “fan fest” might be just the thing for you. Conveniently located in the heart of the city center, famous Augustusplatz will serve as the official public-viewing area, providing a 645 sq ft big screen and room for approximately 15,000 fans. The spectacle will take place in a truly unique setting, as the screen will be erected right in front of Leipzig’s historic opera house. In addition to a chance to watch all 64 games live and free of charge, visitors will also be offered a colorful supporting program, including music, interviews, discussions, exhibitions, catering and more. Be sure to get a taste of the biggest soccer party in the history of the city, as no less than 300,000 fans from around the world are expected to flood Augustusplatz between the tournament’s opening kickoff on June 9 and the Final on July 9.Grub, Pubs and Going All Night

Of course, the area surrounding Augustusplatz will not be the only place to satisfy your culinary needs. Leipzig being an important fair city, its center is also home to the Fair Palaces, whose restaurants and cafés are definitely worth a trip. Other options include the so-called “Drallewatsch” (around the alley Barfußgässchen), the Schauspielviertel (theatre district surrounding Gottschedstraße), the Südmeile (around Karl-Liebknecht-Straße) and the alley Münzgasse. And if you’re looking to dance the night away, simply choose any of these suggestions, as all of them also offer discos, clubs and bars for your post-game celebrations. One of the city’s most popular hotspots can be found in the 450-year-old vaults of the Moritz Bastion, which are home to Europe’s biggest student club, offering food, drinks and concerts for all ages. Meanwhile, Auerbach’s Keller is a highlight for fans of wine and literature, as the 480-year-old establishment plays a vital role in the drama Faust by world-renowned writer Johann-Wolfgang von Goethe. Finally, the café- restaurant Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum is one of Europe’s oldest coffee places, and it even hosts a small coffee museum.

Other Must-Do’s

One of Leipzig’s biggest strengths is its diversity. The old city hall is a historic landmark, and so is St. Nicholas’ Church, which was the birthplace of the “Peaceful Revolution” in 1989. Inside, the Prayers for Peace preceded the historic Monday Demonstrations that eventually played a vital role in German reunification. If you’re more interested in hip new clothes, check out the mall PROMENADEN Hauptbahnhof at the main train station. Then, wear your new shorts on your trip to one of the city’s many parks, lakes and rivers, or to the famous zoo.

Of course, Leipzig is also preparing many special events to pay tribute to the beautiful game. For instance, the Daniel Nivel Cup, a soccer tournament featuring 400 international teams consisting of fans, policemen and fire fighters, will take place shortly before the World Cup. It will serve as a reminder of German hooligans’ brutal beating of a French policeman in 1998. Soccer-related exhibitions in Leipzig will include “Weltelf” (world eleven) with its sculptures, paintings, films and more, as well as an exhibition on the soccer referee at the Städtisches Museum.

How To Get Around

By purchasing an MDV pass for just over Euros 14, you will be able to use all trams, trains and buses within city limits for an entire week. Simply look for the Reisezentrum at Leipzig’s main train station and tell the responsible official your exact plans. If the one-week pass is right for you, it will enable you to travel back and forth between the stadium and the public-viewing area, and it will also take you to all of Leipzig’s major hotspots.