With the futuristic Red Bull Arena which is clearly visible from far away, the city of Leipzig possesses one of the most architecturally and technically modern stadiums in the world, which as the core of the Sportforum has taken up a position as one of the most important locations for football, culture, music and events. Lately, AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Genesis and Herbert Grönemeyer performed sold-out concerts.
Originally designed and built to the requirements of the FIFA World Cup 2006, the Red Bull Arena fulfills the security standards of FIFA with seats only during football matches. The FIFA World Cup 2006 has been the highlight in the history of the Red Bull Arena: hosting 5 matches on its 72 x 111 m pitch. The Red Bull Arena had already passed its rehearsal when it hosted the FIFA Confederations Cup one year before.
Today, the stadium hosts international football matches on a regular basis as well as matches of regional clubs that require a high security standard. In the future, the Red Bull Arena will be the home ground of the newly-founded RasenBallsport Leipzig e.V.
The 43 500 spectator oval possesses one lower rank and two upper ranks which are separated into 4 sectores (A, B, C and D), a spectacular roof construction with integrated floodlight system, a perfectly tuned sound system for an outstanding acoustics and a 63 square meter, 1890 kg video screen. A spiral parking oval is located underneath the grandstands. It stretches over 3 levels offering approx. 400 spaces. A large hospitality area divided between the circa 1000 m² business lounge (Floor 5) and the VIP lounge featuring 16 VIP boxes (Floor 6) is available for events, corporate incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Perfect security is provided by a control centre and a total of 72 Zoom and 360 degree panning cameras. Custody cells are available for use in the case of any undesirable incidents.
The new World Cup-Arena was constructed within the oval of the old Zentralstadion, known historically as the "Stadium of the One Hundred Thousand", thereby achieving an optimal connection between the traditional and the modern. The stadium jewel (of which 50 million Euro was funded by the German State) was put into operation on 7 March 2004 with a third division league match between FC Sachsen Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund Amateurs. The public is invited to appreciate the architectural jewel and to take a look behind the scenes during regular stadium tours.