Stuttgart

Gottlieb-Daimler Stadium (modernisation). 53,198 seats.
Investment: Euro 51.5m

The Games

Tue 13 June (1700): France v Switzerland (Gp G)

Fri 16 June (1700): Holland v Ivory Coast (Gp C)

Mon 19 June (2000): Spain v Tunisia (Gp H)

Thu 22 June (2000): Croatia v Australia (Gp F)

Sun 25 June (1600): 2nd round (1st Gp B v 2nd Gp A)

Sat 8 July (2000): 3rd/4th place play-off

With its curved roof, Stuttgart's stadium is somewhat reminiscent of the nearby vineyards. The roof support system is based on the principle of a horizontal hub and spokes. The previously-named 'Neckar Stadium' was built in 1933. Since then numerous improvements have been made and extensions added. In fact by 2001 the stadium already met FIFA World Cup standards and in 2004 further improvements were made increasing capacity to 51,000. Today the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion is home to the 1st Bundesliga premier club VFB Stuttgart. Gottlieb Daimler Stadium is one of Europe's most advanced and functional sporting arenas. The most eye-catching feature of the stadium is the spectacular steel-cable truss construction of the membrane roof which protects every seat from the elements. A grand Open Day on January 15, 2006 marked the official completion of the third phase of construction at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium and sealed the stadium's status as not only one of the most cutting-edge host venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cupª in Germany, but also the fourth largest. The total capacity of the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium has now been raised from 50,348 to 53,198 when it is used as an all-seater stadium Ð as it will be during the 2006 FIFA World Cupª