Known nationwide as the Bundesliga’s opera-house, the Westfalenstadion was originally built for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Borussia Dortmund play their home games here in front of what is almost always a sell-out crowd. Some 25,000 of these fans roar on their beloved Borussia from the famous South Stand, renowned for striking fear into the hearts of the visitors.

In November 2001, the decision was taken to join up the four separate stands, thus increasing the seating capacity to around 69,000. Crucially, the new stands will stop above the existing video screens, allowing further ventilation for the pitch. Construction work began in May 2002 with completion projected for late summer 2003.

The following improvements were made for the UEFA Cup Final on May 19, 2001:

• Installation of a new sound system.
• Addition of arm and backrests to the seats in the guest of honour area in the West Stand.

Further planned modernisation includes:

• Removal of the barriers behind the goals and installation of a flexible fence system as well as special areas for wheelchair users.
• Modernisation and extension of the players’ area (changing and officials’ rooms).
• * Refurbishment of the press area * Use of the adjacent 'Rote Erde' stadium as a TV compound * Construction of Hall 3b for use as a media centre.

Financiamiento:
Completely covered by Westfalenstadion Dortmund GmbH.