SC Karlsruher's Bundesliga.2 clash against SV Darmstadt 98 last weekend saw fans welcomed into their planned new stadium after the East and South stands were completed; and even though only half of the ground is now complete, extensive use of terracing means nearly 20,000 fans can theoretically attend matches. However, due to local pandemic restrictions, the club will welcome half this number on a matchday and have made the decision to only sell season-tickets for the 2021-22 season. 500 day tickets are limited to away fans only until COVID restrictions allow.
Meanwhile, work at the stadium continues with the emphasis being on enabling matches to be played in what is still 50% a building site. The South stand recently received its main access route, while kiosks and toilets have been fitted out along the public concourse. The East stand also saw installation of its turnstile system which, rather than the large heavy steel gates seen at grounds elsewhere, resembles those found in subway stations which many people find are more comfortable to operate. The biggest job however remains on the west side of the stadium where the new main stand is being built and will be home to the press, players and obligatory VIP facilities - the result of which should be seen in about 12 months time. On the 22nd June, the city council also approved the renaming of the Wildparkstadion to the BBBank Wildpark in a five year sponsorship deal. Image: Karlsruhe: New stadium construction