The Westfalenstadion is known nationwide as the Bundesliga's Opera House. This time it is the venue for one of the semi-finals. The stadium was originally built for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Dortmund has been playing their home games here. The stadium has a gross capacity of 65,982 and a total seating capacity of 60,285. "Total Seating Capacity" means the Gross Capacity less the seats unavailable for use due to restricted views and security/contingency reserves for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
In the year 2004-5 around 1.4 million spectators occupied Germany's biggest
stadiums in 2004-5. The average was of over 77,000, which was a Bundesliga and European record. In November 2001, all the four stands were joined to increase the all-seat capacity to around 67,000. The stadium has been designed in such a manner that it allows proper ventilation. The Westfalenstadion features more than 3,500 food service points. This construction project was completed in late summer 2003.
Another modernization programme started in summer 2005. New features added were backrests for seats in the lower tier and opening of a new VIP section. Installation of an electronic access control system and refurbishment of the dressing room and team zones were other features added to the
stadiums.
The stadium's eight 62-metre-high bright yellow support pylons emerge as distinctive, colorful landmarks on the Dortmund skyline. The steel exterior structure has been constructed in such a manner that it can be seen from miles.
The Westfalenstadion is undoubtedly one of the best
stadiums of the world.
