200,000 fans attend EURO 2024 games in Gelsenkirchen

People in the Ruhr district live for football and love the sport, something they’ve proven once again in recent weeks. Together with fans from all over Europe, they have been in the centre of Gelsenkirchen, in the district of Buer, at matches in the Arena AufSchalke or at the fan zones. Across the first two weeks of the tournament, around 370,000 people were at the stadium or Nordsternpark, with a further 23,000 at the fan meeting points. Fantastic support was provided by the 1,600 volunteers, who graciously offered their time to help everyone enjoy the tournament in the city of Gelsenkirchen.

Four games were played at the Arena AufSchalke, as it was known for the tournament. Seven different nations were involved in these matches, which also saw seven goals scored. Christina Rühl-Hamers, board member at FC Schalke 04, attended each match in person. “It was really fantastic to be able to experience all 04 matches here at the Arena. I really enjoyed it. It was great to see how all the fans supported their team and how amazing the atmosphere was at the stadium.”

The final game in Gelsenkirchen saw England face Slovakia on Sunday evening (30/6). The Three Lions scraped through in extra time courtesy of Harry Kane’s winning goal. Gareth Southgate’s team also played in the opening game in Gelsenkirchen, defeating Serbia 1-0 on the third day of the tournament thanks to Jude Bellingham’s header in the 13th minute.

04 days after that clash, two European giants did battle auf Schalke. Spain, winners of the competition in 1964, 2008 and 2012, faced two-time champions and reigning holders Italy. ‘La Roja’ controlled the game from the first whistle and won 1-0 thanks to an own goal by defender Riccardo Calafiori after 55 minutes. That own goal is one of nine in the 42 games so far in the tournament. The record currently stands at 11 own goals from EURO 2020.

Work on the Schalke stadium started on Monday (1/7).  The VELTINS lettering, which is around 3.5m high and 16.5m wide, has been lifted back onto the roof with a crane. All the EURO 2024 signs and branding have been removed, as well as the platforms, containers, tents and cables. Meanwhile, in the inside of the stadium S04 staff members are cleaning the hospitality and VIP areas. The seats from the terrace are being removed too, with Schalke’s own branding returning to the Arena. Everything is being done to ensure that the EURO GmbH can pass the keys back on time ahead of Taylor Swift’s concerts. The American singer is set to appear at the Arena on 17th, 18th and 19th July. With five Rammstein shows and Schalke Tach (21/7) too, there are plenty of great events still to come in the next few weeks.

Christina Rühl-Hamers looked back on a successful tournament in Gelsenkirchen: “Overall, I’m really satisfied. Putting an event like this on is obviously challenging for everyone, especially for a city like Gelsenkirchen. I’ll remember the fact that we worked well together as a team, not just the city and Schalke 04, but other partners such as the employers’ organisations and the chambers of commerce. I now know for the future that we can put on great events like this. Everybody gave their best for the people in the stadium and the city, and it gives me confidence for further projects that we’ll look to host for this region.”

The fan zones at Nordsternpark and the Amphitheater in Gelsenkirchen will remain open until the final on Sunday (14/7) for supporters to continue to enjoy a great tournament together.