History and description

The Fritz-Walter-Stadion, then still called Sportplatz Betzenberg, was built in 1920. It initially consisted of one wooden stand, a sandy pitch, and changing facilities for the players. The Sportplatz Betzenberg officially opened on May 13, 1920 with a match between Kaiserslautern and FC Pfalz Ludwigshafen.

The wooden stand was destroyed in a storm in 1930, which led to a redevelopment of the main stand and concrete terraces.

Stadium Betzenberg was expanded in 1953 and could now hold just over 30,000 spectators.

Since the 1950s, the club has been gradually expanding and modernising the stadium. In 1963, new stands were opened at the long sides, and in 1973, all ends were refurbished. In 1978, the redevelopment was complete and the stadium's capacity was raised to 38,000. At the same time, the name of the stadium got changed to Fritz-Walter-Stadion.

These additions raised the stadium's capacity to 46,000 and made it one of the largest in Europe. Kaiserslautern started a new round of redevelopments in 1994, 1998, and most recently in 2016. These redevelopments increased the stadium's capacity to 46,000 people and made it one of the largest in Europe.

The 2006 World Cup selection of Fritz-Walter-Stadion as a playing venue resulted in the commencement of extensive construction projects on both ends of the stadium in a similar style.

The 2006 World Cup took place at Fritz-Walter-Stadion, where it played host to four group matches and the round of 16 match between Italy and Australia.

Despite the name change, the stadium is still commonly referred to as Betzenberg Stadium.

(photos of the present Fritz-Walter-Stadion below)

How to get to Fritz-Walter-Stadion

Fritz-Walter-Stadion is located just south of Kaiserslautern's city center, at only a few hundred meters from the main railway station. From the station, it is an approximate 5-minute walk slightly uphill. From the city center, it takes about 10 minutes longer to get to Fritz-Walter-Stadion by foot. It is advised on matchdays to park your car in Kaiserslautern's center and to walk to the stadium.

Address: Fritz-Walter-Straße 1, 67663 Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern Tickets

Tickets for FC Kaiserslautern games can be bought online, by phone +49 1805 31 88 00, at the Fan Shop at the stadium, at the Fan Shop at Fackelrondell 1 in Kaiserslautern's city centre, or at one of the other sales outlets. If tickets are still available, they can be purchased at the stadium on the day of the match. In the 2 Bundesliga, Kaiserslautern only sell out occasional high-profile matches.

There are a range of ticket prices for seating options at the stadium, with prices starting at ?17.00 for a seat at the upper tier and going up to ?41.00 for a central seat at the main stand. Standing areas cost just ?12.00.

For more information call +49 1805 31 88 00.

Fritz-Walter-Stadion stadium tours

FC Kaiserslautern organizes guided stadium tours that include access to the players tunnel, dugouts, VIP areas, and press room. The tours last about 90 minutes and are attended by fans. Tours run on a random schedule, on average about once every two or three weeks. You can check online for current days and hours. To book a tour, email [email protected]

The tour costs 5 euros. For more information, call +49 1805 31 88 00 or email [email protected]

Relevant Internet links

The official website of FC Kaiserslautern is fck.de. This website provides information about the city of Kaiserslautern and tourists can find tourist information here.