At Borussia Dortmund, the magic of former European Cup nights returns. For the first time since 1998, the almost 25,000-seat south stand is open to standing room for international games.
The Revierclub benefits from this in particular. Finally, the stadium capacity will increase by more than 15,000 from the current 66,099 seats to 81,365 seats. According to managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke, this promises additional income of between 1.5 and two million euros.
Captain Marco Reus hopes that the growing support will also help to add sporting value and win this Tuesday (6.45 p.m. / Amazon Prime) over FC Copenhagen: “We are all very happy that the whole yellow wall is there. That makes it a definite difference and hopefully it will be a spectacle."
Like the national player, Edin Terzic relies on an inspiring effect. The coach recalled the past duels with FC Sevilla and Manchester City, against whom BVB had to play the round of 16 and quarterfinals in the 2020/21 season in front of empty ranks due to the corona. Both teams are this year's group opponents alongside Copenhagen. "Two years ago we had both teams with us - in an empty stadium. That's why we're all the happier that this time as many fans as possible came to support us," said Terzic.
Standing allowed again
Following the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, standing room at international matches is allowed again. Together with England and France, Germany is part of the pilot project, which is initially valid for one year. In 1998, UEFA introduced a ban on standing room for European Cup and international matches, following the lead of British football. There, standing room had been banned from all stadiums as a result of the Hillsborough disaster of April 15, 1989.
At that time, more than 90 people died in the crush of a completely overcrowded spectator stand in the cup semi-final between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest in Sheffield. Most of the victims were football supporters of Liverpool FC.
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