FC Schalke 04 Ground & Tickets
Ground: Veltins Arena
Capacity: 62,271
Location: Rudi-Assauer-Platz 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen
Country: Germany
The Ground
The Veltins Arena, formerly known as Arena AufSchalke, is the home of FC Schalke 04 and one of Germany’s most modern and recognisable football stadiums. Located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, it has hosted Schalke’s home matches since opening in 2001.
With a capacity of 62,271 for domestic matches, the Veltins Arena is renowned for its impressive design, passionate atmosphere, and innovative features. The stadium includes a retractable roof and a sliding pitch, allowing the playing surface to be moved outside the stadium for better maintenance. These features make it one of the most technologically advanced football venues in Europe.
The stadium is famous for its intense matchday atmosphere, driven by Schalke’s loyal supporters. The club’s deep working-class roots and strong connection to the Ruhr region give the Veltins Arena a unique identity, with fans creating a loud and passionate environment that reflects Schalke’s proud traditions.
Beyond football, the Veltins-Arena is a major landmark in German sport and entertainment. It has hosted international football matches, concerts, ice hockey, boxing, and other major events. Visitors can also take part in stadium tours and explore areas such as the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitchside areas, and the Schalke Museum, which tells the story of the club’s history, honours, legendary players, and strong bond with its supporters.
Official Tickets
Buy through the official Schalke 04 Ticket Shop.
Check the pre-sale dates. Schalke 04 releases tickets in stages. Club members receive priority access before any general public sale. General sale dates vary depending on the fixture, with tickets typically becoming available several weeks before the match. High-demand fixtures can sell out quickly.
Consider becoming a club member. For popular matches, membership gives you: Earlier access to ticket sales, a much better chance of securing tickets, access to exclusive member ticket allocations.
Use the Official Secondary Market. Season ticket holders can legally resell their seats through Schalke 04's official Ticketbörse (ticket exchange), which is integrated into the club's ticket shop. This is the safest and most reliable way to purchase resale tickets.
Fanshops
S04-Fanshop Geschäftsstelle
The flagship club store located next to the Veltins Arena. Ernst-Kuzorra-Weg 1, 45891, Gelsenkirchen
S04-Fanshop City Centre
Ahstraße 4 (directly at Heinrich-König-Platz), 45879 Gelsenkirchen
How to get to the Stadium
Via Train
Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), Direct services operate from major cities including Dortmund, Essen, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Bochum. At Gelsenkirchen Hbf, follow the signs to the underground tram station and board Tram Line 302 towards GE-Buer. Get off at VELTINS-Arena. The tram journey takes approximately 15 minutes, and the stadium is just a short walk from the stop.
For Schalke 04 home matches, your match ticket acts as a Kombiticket, meaning travel on all VRR public transport (including regional trains, S-Bahn, trams and buses within the VRR network) is included on matchday.
By Car
From the A2 motorway: Exit at Gelsenkirchen-Buer (Exit 6) and follow the signs for VELTINS-Arena. From the A42 motorway: Exit at Gelsenkirchen-Schalke (Exit 17) and follow the matchday traffic signs to the stadium.
The stadium has extensive parking facilities surrounding the arena, with several official car parks available for supporters. Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless pre-booking is required for specific events.
For the quickest access and departure, arrive at least 1–2 hours before kick-off, as traffic around the stadium can become very congested on matchdays. Parking attendants and electronic signage will direct drivers to available parking areas.
Airport
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), Best for international flights. Distance: 55 km. Travel Time: Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes. Recommended option due to its extensive range of flights and fast, direct rail links to Gelsenkirchen.
Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN). Distance: 95 km. Travel Time: 1.5 hours.
Weeze Airport (NRN). Distance: 90 km. Travel Time: 1.5 hours. Serving several low-cost airlines, although public transport connections are less convenient.
Around the Stadium
Before and After the Match
Bosch (Gelsenkirchen-Buer). One of the most popular pubs among Schalke supporters, located in the Buer district a short tram ride from the Veltins-Arena. It offers a lively matchday atmosphere, traditional German beers, and hearty pub food, making it a favourite meeting point before and after games.
Arena Plaza. The large open area surrounding the Veltins-Arena fills with thousands of supporters before every home match. Food stalls, beer stands, live entertainment, and fan activities create a vibrant pre-match atmosphere and make it the main meeting point outside the stadium.
Parkstadion Area. Adjacent to the Veltins Arena, the historic Parkstadion, Schalke's former home, remains an important part of the club's heritage. Supporters often visit the surrounding area before matches, with food vendors and fan gathering points adding to the authentic matchday experience.
Nordsternpark. Located a short distance from the stadium, this former industrial site has been transformed into a public park and is a popular place for supporters to relax before or after matches. It also offers scenic walking routes along the Rhine-Herne Canal.
Brauhaus Rütershoff (Gelsenkirchen-Buer). A traditional German brewery restaurant popular with both locals and Schalke supporters. Known for its regional cuisine and selection of beers, it is an excellent place to enjoy a meal before heading to the stadium.
Altstadt Buer. The historic centre of Gelsenkirchen-Buer is home to a variety of pubs, cafés, and restaurants frequented by Schalke fans on matchdays. Its lively atmosphere makes it an ideal place to meet fellow supporters before taking the short tram journey to the Veltins-Arena.
An address must be specified for a map to be embedded