SC Rot-Weiss Essen Ground & Tickets
Ground: Stadion an der Hafenstraße
Capacity: 20,650
Location: Hafenstraße 97A, 45356 Essen
Country: Germany
The Ground
The Stadion an der Hafenstraße is the home of Rot-Weiss Essen and one of the Ruhr region's most atmospheric football grounds. Located in the Bergeborbeck district of Essen, it opened in 2012 on the site of the club's historic Georg-Melches-Stadion, ensuring Rot-Weiss Essen remained at its traditional home on Hafenstraße.
With a capacity of 20,650, the stadium combines modern facilities with a classic football atmosphere.
One of the stadium's most distinctive features is the "Alte West" (Old West) stand. Although it is geographically located on the eastern side of the new stadium, the name was deliberately retained in honour of the legendary terrace from the former Georg-Melches-Stadion. This commitment to preserving the club's traditions has made the Alte West one of the most recognisable supporter sections in German lower-league football.
The stadium was originally known as Stadion Essen, but in 2022 it was officially renamed Stadion an der Hafenstraße after Rot-Weiss Essen acquired the naming rights, restoring the historic name that supporters had associated with the club for generations.
Official Tickets
Rot-Weiss Essen online ticket shop. The easiest way to buy official Rot-Weiss Essen tickets is through the club's online ticket shop, where all home match tickets are released.
Ticket Offices at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße. For less popular fixtures, tickets are often still available at the stadium ticket offices, which generally open 90 minutes before kick-off. Matches against major rivals or attractive cup opponents, such as MSV Duisburg, Alemannia Aachen or DFB-Pokal fixtures, often sell out well before matchday. For these games, purchasing during the advance sales period is strongly recommended.
If you plan to attend several matches during the season, becoming a Rot-Weiss Essen member provides priority access to ticket sales and improves your chances of securing seats for the club's biggest fixtures.
Go to Rot-Weiss Essen Tickets
Fanshops
Official Rot-Weiss Essen Fanshop
The club's official store is located at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, Hafenstraße 97A, 45356 Essen.
How to get to the Stadium
Via Train
Essen Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), Essen is served by frequent ICE, IC, RE, RB and S-Bahn services from cities including Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Bochum and Duisburg. From Essen Hbf, take Bus SB16 towards Dorsten and get off at Hafenstraße. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, and the stadium is just a short walk from the bus stop.
Matchday alternative: Rot-Weiss Essen operates a matchday shuttle bus between Essen Hauptbahnhof and the stadium before and after home matches, making it one of the easiest ways to reach the ground.
Alternative route: Take a regional train to Essen-Bergeborbeck station (RB32/RB35), then walk around 10–15 minutes to the stadium.
By Car
From the A42 motorway: Take Exit 13 (Essen-Nord) and follow the signs for Stadion an der Hafenstraße. From the A40 motorway: Take the Essen-Zentrum exit, then follow the B224 north towards the stadium and the official matchday signage.
Supporters can use the P2 and P3 stadium car parks, which are located adjacent to the ground. Additional parking is available in the surrounding industrial areas and designated matchday parking zones, although some areas may be restricted to permit holders.
For high-attendance fixtures, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off, as traffic around Hafenstraße can become congested. Parking attendants and temporary signage will direct supporters to the nearest available parking areas.
If the official stadium car parks are full, several Park & Ride facilities around Essen provide a convenient alternative, allowing supporters to complete the final part of their journey by public transport.
Airport
Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS). Distance: 30 km. Frequent ICE, IC and Regional Express trains run from Düsseldorf Flughafen station to Essen Hauptbahnhof in around 20–30 minutes, making it the quickest and easiest way to reach Rot-Weiss Essen's home ground.
Dortmund Airport (DTM). Distance: 45 km. Travel Time: Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes by car or public transport. A good option for European low-cost airlines
Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN). Distance: 65 km. With direct rail connections to Essen taking approximately 1 hour.
Weeze Airport (NRN). Distance: 65 km. Serving several low-cost airlines, although public transport connections are less convenient.
Around the Stadium
Before and After the Match
Fanhof Hafenstraße. Located directly beside the Stadion an der Hafenstraße, the Fanhof is the main meeting place for Rot-Weiss Essen supporters on matchdays. Fans gather here for beers, grilled food, and live entertainment before making their way into the stadium, creating one of the best pre-match atmospheres in the Ruhr region.
Stadionvorplatz (Stadium Forecourt). The open plaza outside the stadium comes alive before every home fixture, with food stalls, beer stands, and thousands of supporters gathering ahead of kick-off. It is the heart of the matchday experience at Hafenstraße.
Alte Hafenstraße Area. The streets surrounding the stadium are lined with mobile food vendors and drink stalls on matchdays, creating a traditional German football atmosphere. Many supporters meet here before and after games to enjoy a bratwurst and a beer while discussing the match.
GOP Varieté & Kennedyplatz (Essen City Centre). Around 15 minutes from the stadium, Essen's city centre offers a wide variety of pubs, restaurants, and cafés. Kennedyplatz is a popular meeting point for supporters before travelling to the stadium.
Der Löwe Essen (Limbecker Platz). A traditional German pub popular with both locals and visiting supporters. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, regional beers, and hearty German dishes, it is an excellent place to eat before heading to Hafenstraße.
Unperfekthaus Café & Brewery. One of Essen's most unique venues, offering craft beers, German cuisine, and a lively social atmosphere. Located in the city centre, it is a popular stop for supporters spending the day in Essen before the match.
Rüttenscheid. Essen's best-known restaurant and nightlife district is home to numerous traditional pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, and international restaurants. Many supporters head here after matches to celebrate or analyse the game over food and drinks.
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