100,000 fans attend Royal Blue family day

It was the first season opener as a member of the board for Jochen Schneider with the Royal Blues. “I already said at the AGM: The way the fans spur us on at Schalke is phenomenal. Thanks so much for all being here,” said the 48-year-old, speaking at the Schalke Day this morning with Sascha Riether and S04 legend Olaf Thon.

The team joined the stage shortly afterwards to meet and greet fans. Guido Burgstaller, Benjamin Stambouli and other members of the squad attended the event with S04 partners and sponsors. They took part in a number of varied competitions with fans, with everyone finishing with a smile on their face.

Caligiuri recognised as ‘Player of the Season’

Furthermore, the team and new head coach David Wagner made plenty of time to sign autographs and take photos with fans of all ages. Free stadium tours, helicopter flying around the club’s grounds, duels on the console against the S04 e-sportsmen and interviews with players on the stage all made it a fantastic occasion for everyone.

There was also an award to be presented. Daniel Caligiuri was voted by the Schalke fans as the club’s ‘Player of the Year’.

David Wagner was full of positives as the day drew to a close. “When I was still a player at Schalke, approximately 30,000 fans came to the season-opening day and that was already considered a lot. What we see here today, I think is absolutely outstanding,” said the head coach. “I cannot wait for the first home match. Luckily the season finally got started with the DFB Pokal games. We are all raring to go and want to have a good year.”