Holsteinstadion

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Holsteinstadion
Work crews put the finishing touches on Holsteinstadion's renovation in August 2006
Full name	Holsteinstadion
Location	Westring 501, 24106 Kiel
Built	1911
Opened
Owner
Tenants	Holstein Kiel Kiel Baltic Hurricanes
Capacity	12,000 Seats Can be expanded to 15,000
Field dimensions	Unknown

Located in the port city of Kiel in Northern Germany, Holsteinstadion is the home of Holstein Kiel, a soccer club currently playing in Germany's Oberliga. It is also the home of the GFLs Kiel Baltic Hurricanes.

In 2005, the DFB ruled that the old stadium didn't meet the body's minimal stadium requirements, claiming the stadium was no longer fit for football and was in desperate need of a substantial makeover. Failure to make the required upgrades would rule the club ineligible to play in the 2nd Bundesliga or potentially result in the DFB revoking Holstein Kiel's license entirely. City government and team officials subsequently developed a plan to provide 1.6 million Euros towards the renovation of the 50-year-old stadium.

[edit] Stadium renovation

The DFB ruled that Kiel's Holsteinstadion was no longer fit for football

The most significant changes included the removal of the dilapidated concrete steps that formerly encircled the playing field which were in danger of collapsing and unsafe for large capacity crowds. Instead, two new covered grandstands were constructed along the former backstretch and behind the west goal. The "Nordtribüne," measuring 119 meters long, now has 954 seats, surrounded by two blocks that each provide standing room for 1200 additional fans. The 81 meter long "Westtribüne" replaced the former fan curve and provides standing room for an additional 3,380 spectators. Both grandstands were constructed only 8 meters from the playing field, improving sightlines and providing for a better fan experience. Additional upgrades include separated entrances for players, referees and other officials, new kiosks and concession stands, improved restroom facilities, and an on-site police trailer.

The new stadium has a crowd capacity of 12,000 and can be expanded to 15,000 should the sqaud advance into the Bundesliga's second division. The majority of the work was completed just hours before it opened on August 9, 2006 to a 5:0 Holstein Kiel victory over 1. FC Magdeburg. Final touches will be completed throughout the remainder of the 2006-2007 season.

Coordinates: 54°20′57″N, 10°07′25″E