Signal Iduna Park

Introduction

After two fairly random opening posts in this blog, I thought a more structured approach to the stadia that I write about might keep things fresh during the football off-season. As such, I’ll be taking a look at the home grounds of the current champions across world football. Being a fan of the Bundesliga, I thought I’d start there with Borussia Dortmund and their infamous home Signal Iduna Park.

Home to the current Bundesliga champions and the largest free-standing grandstand in Europe, Signal Iduna Park is one of a few stadia across Europe that manages to be a modern arena whilst retaining all the atmosphere of post Hillsborough all-seater stadia. Voted the best football stadium in Europe by The Times due to this mix of modernity and atmosphere.

The Westfalenstadion or as it's now known, Signal Iduna Park

Quick Stats

Location: Dortmund, Germany

Date Opened: April 1974

Capacity: 80,720 (Bundesliga Games) 65,718 (International Games)

Highest Attendance: 80,720 at multiple Bundesliga matches

Current Tenants: Borussia Dortmund

Nicknames: Westfalenstadion, The Temple of the Yellow Wall, FIFA World Cup Stadium Dortmund

Foundations

The Westfalenstadion as it was originally known was born from an idea by the city council of Dortmund that a new stadium was required for the fans of the cities then Cup Winners Cup winning Borussia Dortmund side. A new stadium was preferred to the expansion of the clubs then home ‘Stadion Rote Erde’, the remnants of which can be seen adjacent to the current home of ‘Die Schwarzgelben’ and is used for the home games of their reserve side, Borussia Dortmund II.

Following the withdrawal of Cologne as a host city for the upcoming 1974 World Cup, Dortmund was selected as a replacement. The financial issues that had delayed the construction of a new stadium by the city council were no longer as severe due to the allocation of funds from central government. The original plans for a 60,000 capacity stadium with full athletics facilities was discarded in favour of a pre-fabricated concrete section 54,000 capacity stadium. 

This pre-fabricated concrete system was chosen as it was being utilised throughout Europe at the time and was considerably cheaper than a bespoke construction method which was originally suggested. Constructed from offsite pre-fabricated steel reinforced supports and slabs, manufactured in Germanys industrial heartland in the Ruhr Valley, these were simply transported to site and erected in position. The DFB (German FA) encouraged the corners to remain open despite ‘aesthetic doubts’ so that different components would not be required for the corners.

The simple construction technique used for the Westfalenstadion, concrete slabs with terraces supported by concrete stanchions.

 Architects Planungsgruppe Drahtler were the designers of this new stadium which was completed at a cost of 32.7 million DM with 1.6 million DM being used to refurbish their previous home, the Stadion Rote Erde to allow it to be used for athletics and other events. A host stadium for the 1974 World Cup, the then Westfalenstadion hosted three group stage matches and a final group stage match. Borussia Dortmund moved into their new home on the 2^nd April 1974 when the stadium was inaugurated with a friendly against Schalke 04, as Dortmund were playing their football in the second tier of German football at the time.

The Westfalenstadion in its initial form, the basic concrete structure can be seen on the closest stand.

1990’s Renovations 

With changes to UEFA stadium regulations in the early 1990’s, the capacity was reduced from 54,000 to 42,800 due to the removal of standing rows. Seating replaced standing sections in the entire North Stand and the lower stands of the East and West Stands resulting in 26,000 seats, outnumbered the standing capacity by 9,200.

Following the club winning their fourth Bundesliga title in 1995, expansion was commissioned for the East and West stand by a private investment firm, which was a first for German football. In addition to a new roof, each stand would increase the capacity by 6,000 for 12,000 additional seats in total and returned the stadium to its original capacity of 54,000 with only 15,500 standing capacity remaining.

Construction of second tiers on the East and West stands was underway when Dortmund won two league titles during the mid-1990's.

With the club in a golden era after their appearance in the 1993 UEFA Cup final (losing 6-1 on aggregate to Juventus), two consecutive Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996, their crowning achievement was just around the corner. The Champions League final in Munich in the summer of 1997 would see the club gain revenge on a fine Juventus side with a 3-1 victory. Further expansion of the Westfalenstadion was required to capitalise on their success.

The second phase of expanding the original stadium was then put in motion with the North and South stands were enlarged to take the total capacity of the stadium up to 68,800. This is where the legend of the Südtribüne were born as in its current guise, it is the largest free-standing grandstand in Europe with an incredible capacity of 25,000.

Continued success saw the club expand the stadium further, increasing the North and South stands creating the infamous Südtribüne.

Renovations in the New Millennium 

Another World Cup bid for Germany, another improvement of the Westfalenstadion, this time for the 2006 World Cup. Being one of the most iconic stadia in Germany, it would be at the forefront of the hosts plans but unfortunately it did not fulfil FIFA’s criteria for hosting a World Cup semi-final. The most obvious places to increase the capacity were to enclose the stadium and fill in the corners, increasing the seating capacity to 52,000 and the overall capacity to the present day 80,720. In addition to boosting standard capacity, VIP seats and facilities were also increased within these corner sections.

The Westfalenstadion at the turn of the new millenium.

The four corner sections were constructed on driven piles to ensure minimum effects on the surrounding stands and given the layout of the original four stands, an external support structure was required to support the enclosing roof. The external steel support structure was painted in the clubs famous yellow colour and provides the stadium with its distinctive aesthetics and outline.

The infilling of the corners increased capacity to its current number and provided the yellow steel support structure that makes the stadium easily distinguishable.

Due to financial struggles of the club during the mid-2000’s, the club decided to sell the stadium in 2002 to ensure its survival. It was later sold to a real estate trust with Dortmund having the option to purchase the stadium back in component parts. The club would later complete this purchase with credit from Morgan Stanley. Helping to restructure the clubs debt, they sold the naming rights of the stadium to an insurance company who named it ‘Signal Iduna Park’ with this deal running until 2016 and providing the club with much needed funds at the time. A prerequisite of FIFA when hosing a World Cup is that they control all naming rights with anything World Cup related saw the stadium referred to as ‘FIFA World Cup Stadium Dortmund’ during the 2006 World Cup.

The iconic Signal Iduna Park with the Stadion Rote Erde visible to the right.

Despite a relatively short history, Signal Iduna Park is one of the most famous grounds in European football. Home of the current Bundesliga champions and boasting one of the fiercest atmospheres across the continent it provides the perfect platform for Dortmund to continue their struggles of the past decade.
 

A Famous Match

The 1974 World Cup is perhaps most known for the final between the Netherlands and West Germany, however a watershed moment in the project of Total Football would take place at the Westfalenstadion in the final second group stage between the Netherlands and Brazil.

A faltering Brazil had struggled to reach this point and required a win over the Netherlands to progress to the final. The much fancied Dutch however would progress with a draw but the way the side was setup this was never on the cards. In a fine advert for RinusMichel’s Total Football, the Netherlands frustrated the Brazilians who grew increasingly irritated and took their frustration out on the Dutch players.

Going into the second half at 0-0 it didn’t take long for the Dutch to turn their advantage into a lead when Johan Neeskens pounced on a pin point cross from the imperious Cruyff. The Brazilians grew more frustrated and needed two goals to progress to the final in Berlin. A sublime goal started in their own half by the Dutch just after the hour mark would put the match beyond the defending champions. A quick, devastating move from deep was finished off by Cruyff, would see the Dutch go on to contest the final but not before Luis Pereira was sent off for a terrible tackle on Neeskens. The defending champions went out in disgrace rather than honour.

A match that highlighted the skills of this great Dutch side having humbled the defending champions and would have all lovers of football back them in the final. Unfortunately, they went on to lose in agonising fashion to the hosts West Germany. 

The normally refined Brazil simply lost their heads as Total Football saw the Netherlands progress to the 1974 World Cup Final.

A Quote From Someone More Qualified Than I

“It was a difficult decision, as I am Borusse, I love Dortmund and this club, and I will always remain a Dortmunder. It made me proud to walk into this stadium as the team´s captain.”

Nuri Sahin

Estadio Azteca

Introduction

Some stadia in the world have one defining moment in their history that reminds people of the setting, the focus of my next article has a countless number of these moments and as such has a claim to be the most important stadium in footballing history.

The Estadio Azteca located in a middle to upper class suburb of Mexico City, Mexico has been the stage on which some of football’s greatest moments have unfolded. The setting for matches from two World Cups, numerous international matches, domestic title winning sides and some of the biggest musical acts of the past hundred years. A stadium of this size certainly has the history to match.

The imposing Estadio Azteca at night with Mexico City as a background.

Quick Stats

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Date Opened: May 1966

Capacity: 105,064

Highest Attendance: 136,274 for boxing match in February 1993

Current Tenants: America (MEX), Mexican National Team,

Nicknames: Guillermo Caneda Stadium, Coloseo de Santa Ursula (Colossus of Saint Ursula)

Foundations

The ideas of a Mexican national stadium were realised by renowned Mexican architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares Alcérreca with an eye for completion for the 1968 Olympics Games and 1970 World Cup. As with many stadium projects, a major sporting event provides the catalyst for the government to commission the construction of such a major project. And given the end product, major is one of many words to describe the Estadio Azteca with an opening capacity of 115,000 the aim.

The two architects spent a few years travelling the length and breadth of the globe to sample the existing stadia in use at the time, allowing them to gather inspiration for the colossal task at hand. Ground work began in August 1962 when 180 million kilos of volcanic were cleared from the site and foundation construction was begun after extensive testing of the ground conditions.

Constructed from a series of reinforced concrete supports which support three massive concrete ring beams forming the three distinct tiers of the massive stadium. A common construction technique of the time, many American football stadia were constructed in a similar style, it is rumoured to have required 100,000 tonnes of concrete to complete.

The external 'bones' of the stadium constructed from reinforced concrete which support three concrete ring beams which in turn, support the three tiers of the stadium.

The opening ceremony in May 1966 was a friendly which saw residents Club America play host to Torino FC in front of 107,494 spectators. The first kick at the stadium was taken by then President of Mexico Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and the match finished with a 2-2 draw.

A modern lighting system was installed in June of 1966 to allow the stadium to be utilised for night games, the first of which was between Spanish side Valencia and then tenants Necaxa. Valencia wound up winners 3-1.

The original Estadio Azteca before the addition of the roof in 1967, very similar in style to many American Football stadia of the time.

Originally constructed without a roof, it was added a year after it’s opening in time for the 1968 Olympic Games and is constructed from an independent steel frame and cladding structure. The oval shape left by the roof opening gives the stadium its distinctive profile while providing shade to the fans from the hot Mexican sun.

The addition of the roof gives the stadium it's distinctive look while providing shelter to the spectators.

1985 Renovation

When Mexico were awarded the 1986 World Cup following the success of their previous hosting of the tournament in 1970, FIFA requested that the stadium be upgraded. In order to be able to accommodate the growing presence of television production, executive boxes and additional safety measures required to host a World Cup event.

The addition of executive boxes was incorporated between the lower first tier and upper second tier and circle the entire perimeter of the stadium. Amendments to the layout of the stadium were also implemented due to the impact of the Heysel Stadium disaster of the previous year. Stadium evacuation plans were implemented including safety doors allowing fans on to the pitch in an emergency. The stadium can be safely evacuated from full to empty in 18 minutes. Additional aesthetic additions to the stadium were also added.

The incorporation of the executive boxes between the first and second tiers allowed the stadium to match modern football requirements.

The only stadium in world football to host the World Cup Final on more than one occasion, the Estadio Azteca holds the mystique and awe inspiring moments that many stadia can only dream of. The location of Pele and Maradona lifting their final World Cup trophies and the scene of some of the finest football of the World Cup gives this stadium a rightful place in footballing folklore.

Famous Match

Having hosted two World Cup finals and plenty of other major sporting events, it would be cruel (and tough!) to simply pick one match to highlight. So I’m going to cheat and cover three of them!

Game of the Century

One of the most famous World Cup matches dubbed the ‘Game of the Century’ between Italy and West Germany during the 1974 World Cup was played at the Estadio Azteca. An early goal for Italy looked to have sealed their progression to the final when German left back Karl-Heinz Schnellinger popped up with a goal in stoppage time to take the tie into extra time. What followed was one of the most incredible periods of extra time in football. Germany took the lead through the prolific Gerd Muller, Italy equalised (through defender Tarcisio Burgnich) before forward Luigi Riva gave Italy the lead in 104^th minute. Germany once again levelled the match through Muller before a minute later (while television audiences watch the replay of Muller’s goal) Gianni Rivera scored to settle the match and Italy’s progression. An incredible five goals scored in extra-time, still a record in World Cups to this day.

The Plaque on the external wall of the stadium to commemorate the 'Game of the Century'.

 Hand of God/Goal of the Century

Maradona's performance against England in the quarter finals of the 1986 World Cup is one of those moments that you simply have to sit back and applaud. For all the hatred garnered from the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal this would have been the standout talking point in most matches. His second and decisive goal would provide the yin to the yang of his first, an astonishing goal showcasing the individual abilities of the mercurial Argentine.  Taking the ball from his own half and running at the England defence, ghosting past them like they’re not there before rounding Peter Shilton and sliding the ball into the net. Such was the class of this goal; a bronze plaque was placed outside of the stadium to commemorate this iconic moment in football history occurring at an iconic ground.

Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal wouldn't be the only talking point of the match. His exceptional 'Goal of the Century' second goal took some of the headlines away from his first.

First Regular Season NFL Match Outside of America

Outside of football, another sport would utilise the massive Azteca stadium in an attempt to increase the popularity of its sport, the NFL. The Estadio Azteca would host the first ever regular season game outside of the United States when the Arizona Cardinals (the acting home team) hosted the San Francisco 49’ers. The home team would win the match 31-14 in front of the then largest recorded crowd for an NFL regular season match of 103,467 fans. This record was later broken in 2009 at the new Cowboys Stadium.

The first regular season NFL game to be held outside of the United States was a sellout at the Estadio Azteca.

A Quote From Someone More Qualified Than I

"We lost the 1986 (FIFA World Cup) Final in the Estadio Azteca which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful stadium in the world. I love it, simple as that. It will go down forever as the greatest footballing symbol there is, even though there are other footballing temples scattered around the world.“
Rudi Voller

Celtic Park

The subject of my first entry was a tough choice but I decided to stick with something (fairly) local and a club that is close to my heart, Celtic and their current stadium Celtic Park. Being a boyhood fan of the Hoops I thought that starting out with something I have a good base of knowledge would be the best place to start. My Football Manager career notwithstanding of course!

The current Celtic Park was extensively redeveloped in the mid-90’s during the dominance of Scottish football by their arch rivals, Rangers. The ‘biscuit tin’ approach to transfer signings during this time was often cited as a result of the redevelopment of the clubs stadium with the then board taking a long term outlook for the club. The stadium in its current guise would only tell a tiny part of footballing history in the area with the clubs home being on the current site shortly after its formation in 1888.

Quick Stats

Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Date Opened: August 1892

Capacity: 60,832

Highest Attendance: 92,975 for league match against Rangers in 1938

Current Tenants: Celtic

Nicknames: Parkhead, Paradise

Early Foundations
Following a dispute with the landlord at their original ground, the club built a new stadium in a disused brickyard across the street where they resided for three years. Built by volunteers, it opened on 13^th August 1892 for the club’s annual sports day. Now located closer to a local graveyard a journalist who covered the opening event reported “it was like moving from the graveyard to paradise” and the nickname ‘Paradise’ has been used ever since. Initially the capacity (entirely of terracing) was around 40,000 and to generate additional income, the club installed a banked cycling track around the pitch.

The first double tiered stand in football stadia construction was built at Parkhead in 1898, increasing the capacity to 63,000. This stand was destroyed following a fire and it was replaced by a single tier stand in 1927.

The single tiered replacement stand built in 1927. Note the rising slope of the cycle track.

 This replacement stand was designed by renowned stadium architect of the day and native Glaswegian, Archibald Leitch who designed many stadia throughout Britain during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. His background in designing industrial structures is evident in many of his projects and the front facade of this new main stand is clearly influenced by this. Both the regular, simplified geometry and his use of red brick as a material are extensively used in industrial structures of the era. This aesthetic is also prominent in the facade of Ibrox Stadium which he also designed.

The external facade of the 1927 main stand which would be in use until its replacement in 1988.

 Post-War Additions
The addition of stands on all sides of the ground continued throughout the 20^th century with the infamous ‘Jungle’ stand across from the main stand receiving a roof in 1966. Rumoured to be named the ‘Jungle’ due to the poor condition of the terracing, corrugated iron roof and the ferocity of the supporters contained within the stand, it would be a formidable component of the atmosphere generated during matches. The goal ends would also finally receive roofs during the post-War years, with the Celtic end (to the right on the image below) receiving only a partial roof covering the rear portion of the terraces. During the famed Scottish weather it was common for the front of the Celtic End to be deserted as supporters sheltered from the weather at the back of the stand.

Looking on to the Main Stand (right) and the Celtic End (left) during the stadiums pomp.

 The stadium would stay much as it was during the clubs finest hour when it became the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967, up until the major redevelopments in the mid-1990’s. Following the Ibrox Disaster in 1971, the capacity was reduced from 80,000 to a more manageable 60,000. To celebrate the clubs centenary in 1988, the original Archibald Leitch  red brick facade of the main stand was updated in a similar style.

The 1988 upgrade of the facade to allow corporate facilities to be added to the main stand. The distinctive glass foyer being a particular aesthetic of the time.

Major Redevelopment

Following the collapse of plans by previous board members for a 52,000 all-seater stadium in Cambuslang, the new Celtic board led by Fergus McCann had plans to completely redevelop Celtic Park to meet with the Taylor Report’s ruling that all football stadia be converted to all-seater stadia.

Celtic Park before extensive remodelling in the 1990’s. Going clockwise, the Main Stand, the Celtic End, ‘The Jungle’ and the Away Stand.

Funds were raised in one of the most successful share issues in footballing history for the redevelopment of the existing site. ‘The Jungle’ and both goal end stands were demolished in 1994 and Celtic would play their home games of the 1994/95 at the Scottish National stadium, Hampden Park paying a reported ‘King’s ransom’ to the SFA for the privilege.

Celtic Park during 1994/95 with only the Main Stand remaining.

The stadium reopened for the following season with the 26,790 capacity North Stand the then biggest single stand in British football. This stand was of complex construction, containing fourteen internal pillars to support the roof which impinged on the nearby cemetery, a contentious issue with some local residents. The capacity was augmented with the 7,850 capacity main stand and temporary seating on the site of the West stand.

The East stand known as the ‘Lisbon Lions Stand’ was completed in August 1996 with a capacity of 13,006 and named after the clubs famous European Cup winning side of 1967. During this redevelopment, the corner stands were constructed in accordance with plans to make Celtic Park of bowl design, a growing trend in stadia in the late 20^th century. Finally, the ‘Jock Stein Stand’ was completed in August 1998, named after the clubs most famous and successful manager, also with a capacity of 13,006.  With the redevelopment complete, the entire capacity of the new Celtic Park was 60,832.

Despite a change of only a few yards, the current pitch at Celtic Park is in the same position as the original 1892 pitch. In fitting with this, a piece of Donegal turf containing shamrocks (the club emblem) was placed in the centre circle in exactly the same ceremony to open the ground in 1892.

Celtic Park in its current guise.

A Famous Match

As with many historic stadia, there are a plethora of matches that live long in the fans memories. Derby wins over Rangers, European knockout wins and title clinching league matches have all occurred at Celtic Park throughout its history.

In recent times though, there can be only one game that falls under the ‘famous’ banner and that occurred on the 27^th August 2000 when Celtic defeated arch rivals Rangers 6-2 in the SPL. A comprehensive beating of your rivals is one thing but in the context of Scottish Football at the time, it was a seismic event that would have implications for the next decade. Rangers had been the dominant force in Scottish Football for the best part of the previous 20 years and with their cheque book well used in the off-season looked set to continue their dominance into the new millennium.

It would be Martin O’Neill’s first Old Firm derby and given the new management team and playing squad were still finding their feet, this defeat of Rangers would set the tone for the season ahead. Goals from Sutton (2), Petrov, Lambert and Larsson (2) saw off their old foes in spectacular fashion including the iconic chip from the Swedish forward.

In the grand scheme of things this would see Rangers set into relative decline while Celtic returned to the top of Scottish Football and a return to the lucrative top tier of European football. This following the barren years of the 1990’s where the club focussed on improving the stadium instead of the playing squad.

And I'll End With a Quote

"Every professional footballer should seek to play at least one game at Celtic Park. I have never felt anything like it"
Paolo Maldini

Welcome!

So after much reading of blogs/twitter and not much better to do, I thought it would be a good idea to start my own blog about a subject that I have a particular interest in. Now I like football and have a passion for architectural history, so combining the too has led to this creation: 'A History of Football Stadia'. For a start I'll be writing articles on football stadia, the history of the stadium and some architectural features of said stadium. I'll probably branch out into other football history related stuff if I get some interested followers and to keep things fresh for myself.

So yeah, when/if people actually read this, enjoy!