VfL Bochum 1848 Ground & Tickets
Ground: Vonovia Ruhrstadion
Capacity: 26,000
Location: Castroper Straße 145, 44791 Bochum
Country: Germany
The Ground
The Vonovia Ruhrstadion is the home of VfL Bochum and one of the most traditional football stadiums in Germany.
With a capacity of around 26,000, the Vonovia Ruhrstadion is smaller than many modern Bundesliga stadiums, but this adds to its character. The stands are positioned close to the playing surface, creating an intense and authentic matchday experience. Bochum supporters, especially those in the Ostkurve, generate a loud and committed atmosphere that makes the stadium a difficult venue for visiting teams.
The stadium’s identity is rooted in tradition rather than luxury. Originally developed from earlier grounds on Castroper Straße, it became one of Germany’s first purpose-built football stadiums without an athletics track, helping create the close, English-style feel that remains one of its defining features.
Official Tickets
VfL Bochum online ticket shop. Tickets are available through the club's official online ticket shop and, subject to availability from the ticket offices at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on matchdays.
Ticket Offices at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. Unlike some of Germany's biggest clubs, VfL Bochum does not sell out every home fixture. Tickets for many Bundesliga matches remain available until shortly before kick-off, although games against local rivals such as Borussia Dortmund, FC Schalke 04 and FC Bayern Munich are in exceptionally high demand and often sell out well in advance.
VfL Bochum's official Ticketbörse (ticket exchange). If a fixture is sold out, supporters can purchase tickets through the ticket exchange. Season ticket holders can safely resell their seats at authorised prices.
Fanshops
VfL Bochum Fanshop am Stadioncenter
Located next to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion at Castroper Straße 145, 44791 Bochum.
VfL Bochum Fanshop Ruhr Park
Situated in the Westfield Ruhr Park shopping centre (Am Einkaufszentrum 1, 44791 Bochum).
How to get to the Stadium
Via Train
Bochum Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), Bochum is well connected by ICE, IC, RE, RB and S-Bahn services from cities such as Dortmund, Essen, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt. From Bochum Hbf, take tram lines 308 or 318 towards Schürbankstraße/Gerthe and get off at Vonovia Ruhrstadion. The journey takes approximately 3–5 minutes, and the stadium is directly opposite the tram stop. If you prefer to walk, the stadium is around 20 minutes from Bochum Hauptbahnhof via Castroper Straße.
For VfL Bochum home matches, your match ticket normally serves as a Kombiticket, allowing free travel on buses, trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional trains within the VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) network on matchday.
By Car
From the A40 motorway: Take the Bochum-Stadion (Exit 36) and follow the signs to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. From the A43 motorway: At Bochumer Kreuz, join the A40 towards Essen, then take Exit 36 (Bochum-Stadion) and follow the stadium signs.
For matchdays, the Stadionring multi-storey car park is the main parking facility for supporters and is only a short walk from the stadium. SatNav users can enter: Stadionring 26, 44791 Bochum. Additional parking is available around the RuhrCongress Bochum and nearby event car parks, although these can fill quickly for high-profile fixtures.
To avoid heavy traffic, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off.
Airport
Dortmund Airport (DTM). Distance: 35 km. Travel Time: Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes by car or public transport. A good option for European low-cost airlines
Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS). Distance: 45 km. Frequent ICE, IC and Regional Express (RE) trains run directly to Bochum Hauptbahnhof, with the journey taking as little as 35 minutes.
Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN). Distance: 85 km. With direct rail connections to Bochum taking approximately 1 hour.
Weeze Airport (NRN). Distance: 95 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
Three Sixty Bochum (Stadionring). Located directly opposite the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Three Sixty is one of the most popular meeting places for VfL Bochum supporters. Packed with fans on matchdays, it offers a lively atmosphere, a wide selection of beers, burgers, and pub food just a few minutes from the stadium.
Stadionring & RuhrCongress Area. The open spaces surrounding the RuhrCongress and Stadionring come alive before every home match. Food stalls, beer stands, and supporters gathering outside the stadium create a traditional Bundesliga pre-match experience.
Bochumer Stadtpark. Located adjacent to the stadium, Bochum's largest public park is a popular place for supporters to relax before or after matches. The park offers pleasant walking routes, cafés, and green spaces just a short walk from the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
Bermudadreieck Bochum. Around a 20-minute walk from the stadium, the Bermudadreieck is Bochum's famous entertainment district. Home to dozens of pubs, bars, restaurants, and breweries, it is one of the busiest meeting places for VfL Bochum supporters before and after home matches.
Tucholsky Bochum (Bermudadreieck). One of Bochum's best-known bars, Tucholsky is a favourite with both locals and visiting supporters. Its lively atmosphere, outdoor terrace, and extensive food and drink menu make it an ideal stop before heading to the stadium.
Brauhaus Rietkötter (Bermudadreieck). A traditional German brewery restaurant serving regional dishes and locally brewed beers. Popular with VfL Bochum supporters, it offers an authentic Ruhr-area football experience before making the short journey to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
Kortländer Kiez. Just south of Bochum Hauptbahnhof, this up-and-coming neighbourhood is home to a growing number of independent pubs, cafés, and bars. Many supporters meet here before taking the tram or enjoying the walk to the stadium, creating a relaxed and authentic pre-match atmosphere.
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