Veltins-Arena Tickets

Able to host over 61,000 fans, although twenty years old, the stadium is still one of the best in Germany. Boasting a retractable roof and pitch, the stadium contains state of the art facilities and any visiting fans heading to watch their team in action this summer are in for a superb time.

Arena AufSchalke is the home of FC Schalke who over the last few decades have been one of Germany’s biggest clubs. Having a rich legacy with the area, the club first came into existence in 1904 and has enjoyed tremendous levels of success.

The winner of Germany’s top flight seven times, the team has also won the German Cup on five occasions and tasted UEFA Cup glory in 1997.

The team has one of the best academies in the country, and it has produced star talents such as Manuel Neuer, Mezut Ozil, Julian Draxler and Joel Matip. It has also been no stranger to reaching the latter stages of the Champions League.

However, in more recent times, the club has become beset with financial problems.

Buying and selling poorly, Schalke has become a club riddled with debt and has been unable to keep up with its rivals. Confirming its status as a fallen giant, the club was relegated from the Bundesliga at the end of the 2022/2023 season and came dangerously close to a second successive relegation this year, only narrowly hanging onto its Bundesliga 2 status by the skin of its teeth.

With the local fans looking for an uplift, the 2024 Euros have arrived at the perfect time.

Arena AufSchalke is no stranger to creating brilliant atmospheres, and the four games that the stadium is due to host this summer should live long in the memory and provide a fantastic spectacle.

Arena AufSchalke Stands

The Arena AufSchalke comprises four stands - West, East, the North Curve and the South Curve. Each stand is staggered across two levels, with the stadium’s hospitality and executive areas located around the section between the two different levels.

As is common in German stadiums, safe standing is a fixture. However, international tournaments dictate that the entire stadium must be seated, so for this summer’s Euros, there will be a reduction in the overall capacity from 61,000 to 50,000.

For each of the four games that are being held at Arena AufSchalke, tickets will fall into three different categories - Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3.

Category 1 tickets cover the bulk of the East and West Stands. Covering both tiers of the respective stands, these seats run adjacent to either side of the pitch, and wherever you sit, you should be granted a tremendous view of the action. These tickets are the most expensive that can be purchased.

The Category 2 tickets are positioned behind either goal in the North and South Curves. These tickets will be situated where the most passionate fans of Schalke usually sit so a fantastic time should be had by all. Despite their prominent position, the Category 2 tickets cover only the bottom tier, and the lower half of this tier will be specifically reserved for fans of the two teams that are playing.

Category 3 tickets are the cheapest on offer and for the games that are due to be held at Arena AufSchalke, these tickets run across the upper tiers of the North and South Curves. There will also be upper row seats in both the East and West stands that will fall in this cheaper Category 3 band.

Although you will be positioned near the top of the stadium, the view should be good, and due to how the Arena has been built, there shouldn’t be a restricted view if you have possession of a Category 3 ticket.

Where is the best place to sit in Arena AufSchalke for atmosphere?

The most passionate fans usually sit in the North Curve, so this will probably have the best atmosphere in the stadium. Located behind the goal, the stand usually holds 16,000 standing fans, but for the Euros, the capacity will be reduced to 8,000.

The North Curve will hold fans from one of the playing nations, so the atmosphere should still be raucous.

Tickets for either the South or North Curve will be covered by Category 2 pricing.

If I have a Category 3 ticket, will my view be restricted?

In some of the other stadiums that are hosting Euro 2024 games, you may experience a restricted view; however, if you have tickets for a Category 3 game at Arena AufSchalke, wherever you sit you will have a great view. Every seat in the stadium guarantees an unrestricted view of the game.

What about VIP areas?

If you fancy watching a game at this summer’s Euros at the Arena AufSchalke, there are VIP seats available.

Located in a ring between the upper and lower tiers, those wanting to watch the game in style can be wined and dined in one of three lounges. With plenty of gourmet food on offer, as well as unlimited drinks, your premium seat will be positioned in either the West or the East Stand - adjacent to the halfway line.

If you want a more private experience, you can book your own skylounge. More expensive than the three lounges available, you can watch the game with numerous guests, receive a free gift and even have access to your own parking space.

Can I get tickets to games at Euro 2024?

If you haven’t already purchased tickets for any of the four Euro 2024 games due to be held at the Arena AufSchalke, then securing your seat may be difficult.

The first sales of tickets took place in October 2023, with further sales taking place in December 2023 and then again in March and April 2024 for fans of qualified nations.

There is a small chance that as the tournament progresses, you may be able to get your hands on some resale tickets via UEFA’s official resale portal. In order to have a chance of getting one of these resale tickets, you need to have a registered account with UEFA.

If tickets are available, you will need to be quick, as tickets are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there access for disabled users?

In order to have been chosen as a host stadium for Euro 2024, stadiums needed to ensure that fans who require special assistance or enhanced levels of accessibility can easily find their seats and be able to enjoy the game in comfort.

Although the stadium is well over twenty years old, the Arena AufSchalke was ahead of its time when it came to providing easy accessibility.

Accessible seats are located around the stadium but the bulk of seats will be located in the lowest tier of the East Stand between blocks L and U.

There will be dedicated entrances dotted around the stadium; tournament volunteers should be able to direct you to the entrance nearest to where your seat will be.

Dedicated toilets will be on the concourse just outside the area where all wheelchair-based seats are located.

It’s also important to stress that any accessible tickets will be covered by Category 3 pricing.

What do I need to do in case of an emergency?

In the unlikely event of an emergency, please reach out to a first responder or volunteer for immediate assistance.

There will be a variety of support services, and response mechanisms will be in place at EURO 2024 to ensure all fans can enjoy their time at the stadium safely.

Can I still turn up without a ticket?

If you don’t have a ticket for any one of the four scheduled matches that the Arena AufSchalke is due to host this summer, then it is advised that you don’t travel to the ground.

Instead, there will be a large gathering of fans at the official Fan Zone at Nordsternplatz. With every game of the tournament due to be broadcast on a huge big screen, fans can assemble in the comfy confines of the fan park without having to leave Gelsenkirchen city.

In addition to providing a brilliant fan experience, the fan park will contain a multitude of different food and beverage facilities for you to enjoy.

Which games are being played at Arena AufSchalke in Euro 2024?

There will be four games held at Arena AufSchalke. There will be three group games, which are:

• Serbia vs England - 16th June, 20:00
• Spain vs Italy - 20th June, 20:00
• Georgia vs Portugal - 20th June, 20:00

There will also be one knockout tie, which is:

• Round of 16 tie - TBC - 17:00

What rules and restrictions do I need to know before entering?

As the tournament is hosted and organised by UEFA, fans need to be aware that the stadium rules may be slightly different to the regular German season. Here are some of the most important rules to be aware of.

• Bags larger than A4 size won’t be allowed into the stadium.

  You can bring a small power bank, no larger than your phone.

• A valid form of ID is required.
• Professional cameras and cane umbrellas are not permitted inside the stadium. However, you can bring a small, fully collapsible umbrella.
• All EURO 2024 stadiums are smoke-free venues. Therefore, smoking, e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products are not allowed.

What is travel like to and from the stadium?

If you have a match ticket, you’re entitled to a 36-hour Travel Pass at no additional cost for the entire VRS and VRR networks, valid from 06:00 on matchday until 18:00 the following day.

The easiest way to get to the stadium is from Gelsenkirchen Central Station. The stadium has a dedicated tram stop with the journey taking roughly 16 mins.

If you are planning on making a flying visit to the stadium, make sure you leave plenty of time, as Dusseldorf Airport is approximately 50 minutes away from the Arena.

If you are travelling and have a wheelchair or are accompanying a wheelchair user, it is important that you get off at Willy-Brandt-Allee station. The station directly outside of the stadium isn’t accessible, but the Willy-Brandt-Allee station is just a couple of minutes away and should meet your every need.

Can I park at the stadium?

There are a very small amount of parking spaces available outside the stadium but UEFA has advised that people travel to the game via public transport. If you have a strong desire to travel by car, you can book a space if you pay a fee of €24 and book via the official UEFA website.

If that seems like too much hassle there is a drop off area where people can briefly park to drop off attending fans.

Dedicated accessible parking has been made available to wheelchair ticket holders.

Can I purchase food at the stadium?

Those looking for a quick bite will find plenty of options available at the stadium, with all food and drink concessions opening up to three hours before kick off.

Every kind of diet is catered for with traditional burgers and sausages being catered alongside vegetarian and vegan options.

Beer can be consumed inside the stadium but a €3 deposit will be charged for the use of a reusable cup. Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages are also readily available.

Where can I eat nearby?

If eating at the ground doesn’t appeal, then there is no need to worry as there are plenty of food and drink options in close proximity to the stadium.

If you fancy a quick pizza then the popular L’Osteria Gelsenkirchen is just half a mile away. If you want more of an authentic German meal then give Ruhrkind a try. Home to traditional hearty German meals, the restaurant is just a mile away.

Please note that because Gelsenkirchen will be busy with fans, it would be wise to book a table at a restaurant in advance if you wish to visit one prior to a game.

Can I take food and drinks into the stadium?

No, you will not be allowed to take food or drinks into the stadium.

A small amount of baby food is permitted inside if you are attending with a baby, though it is generally not advisable to take babies into the stadium due to the noise that will be created.