Gelsenkirchen

Arena AufSchalke (new). 52,000 seats.
Investment: Euro 192m

The Games

Fri 9 June (2000): Poland v Ecuador (Gp A)

Mon 12 June (1700): USA v Czech Republic (Gp E)

Fri 16 June (1400): Argentina v Serbia & Montenegro (Gp C)

Wed 21 June (1500): Portugal v Mexico (Gp D)

Sat 1 July (1600): Quarter-final

Gelsenkirchen Stadium with its removable playing surface, retractable roof and adjustable southern stand is football's Festival Hall. The Arena Auf Schalke in Gelsenkirchen is home to the Premier Bundesliga club 'FC Schalke 04'. The stadium is one of the most modern in Europe and has hosted the Champions league final in 2004. The stadium has been awarded 5 stars by the UEFA Stadium Committee, an award held by only 2 other German stadiums ' the AOL Arena in Hamburg and Allianz Arena in Munich. With its retractable pitch, closable roof, movable South Stand and centre-hung videocube, the Arena is like no other football temple anywhere in the world. 'There's never been a stadium like this before', was the logical conclusion drawn by FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.