| HANNOVER 96 |
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AWD Arena
AWD Arena is a 49,000 seat soccer facility that was constructed in the early 50s, much of it being excavated and
recycled rubble from the damage suffered in this area during World War II. The stadium was originally named
Niersachsenstadion, and was much larger when built, with numerous renovations to bring it to its present size.
The facility has been a host venue for Euro Cup championships and the 1974 World Cup, as well as the 2006
World Cup. For that event, the stadium got an almost complete makeover, including a new roof and reconstruction
of the stands.
The stadium is about a mile outside of the downtown core, and can easily be accessed via the underground rail,
exiting at wither the Waterloo Station or the Stadionbruecke Station. Form there it’s about a ten minute walk to the
stadium.
What you’ll find on your way are plenty of street vendors, nicely appointed an authentic German beer gardens and
pubs, and directly next door is a massive fairground. If you catch a game here during the spring Fruehlingfest or the
fall Oktoberfest, this makes for a perfect post game fun attraction.
The stadium is spacious, bright and modern with huge massive concourses. Unfortunately, the corridors here are
barricaded, and fans must remain in their ticketed areas, so a 360 walk around the building is not possible.
Concession fare includes toasted pretzels, bratwurst and bockwursts and frikadelle, a sort of juicy hamburger.
One has to buy a money loaded magnetic swipe card in order to purchase concession items here, kind of a hassle
and just adds to the cost.
Be aware that the fans here are loud and they are passionate. In the north end zone, flares are lit in the stands, that
in addition to all the flags and banners that fly continuously. Their fight song, “Hannover.. Sechs und Neunzig”
greets the team during the pregame warmups and everyone rises and sings. It is a pretty electric scene in
Hannover, and a Bundesliga soccer experience well worth the trip.
recycled rubble from the damage suffered in this area during World War II. The stadium was originally named
Niersachsenstadion, and was much larger when built, with numerous renovations to bring it to its present size.
The facility has been a host venue for Euro Cup championships and the 1974 World Cup, as well as the 2006
World Cup. For that event, the stadium got an almost complete makeover, including a new roof and reconstruction
of the stands.
The stadium is about a mile outside of the downtown core, and can easily be accessed via the underground rail,
exiting at wither the Waterloo Station or the Stadionbruecke Station. Form there it’s about a ten minute walk to the
stadium.
What you’ll find on your way are plenty of street vendors, nicely appointed an authentic German beer gardens and
pubs, and directly next door is a massive fairground. If you catch a game here during the spring Fruehlingfest or the
fall Oktoberfest, this makes for a perfect post game fun attraction.
The stadium is spacious, bright and modern with huge massive concourses. Unfortunately, the corridors here are
barricaded, and fans must remain in their ticketed areas, so a 360 walk around the building is not possible.
Concession fare includes toasted pretzels, bratwurst and bockwursts and frikadelle, a sort of juicy hamburger.
One has to buy a money loaded magnetic swipe card in order to purchase concession items here, kind of a hassle
and just adds to the cost.
Be aware that the fans here are loud and they are passionate. In the north end zone, flares are lit in the stands, that
in addition to all the flags and banners that fly continuously. Their fight song, “Hannover.. Sechs und Neunzig”
greets the team during the pregame warmups and everyone rises and sings. It is a pretty electric scene in
Hannover, and a Bundesliga soccer experience well worth the trip.
