Soccer Coming Back to the Reichstag
March 25, 2006
Before German politicians returned to Berlin from Bonn and reclaimed the Reichstag or parliament in 1999, the grassy patch in front of one Germany's most historical landmarks was a meeting point where people could get out and enjoy a bit of green in the asphalt jungle of the city.
One beloved activity was playing soccer -- something that politicians decided was unworthy of Republic Square, the official name of the area in front of the parliament. Playing ball was prohibited.
Now that's set to change during the upcoming World Cup in Germany. The city of Berlin last week provided relief for the thousands of fans who will be unable to get their hands on tickets for any of the matches, let alone for the six in Berlin, including the final: Sportswear giant Adidas, which has been searching for a proper location in Berlin for almost a year, has said it will build a "13th World Cup venue" on Republic Square.
For the city which lost Austrian artist Andre Heller's glittering opening ceremony after a lawn dispute with FIFA at the real Berlin World Cup venue, it can provide an interesting alternative to just watching matches in bars or at home to soccer supporters from around the world.
"For those unable to get tickets for a World Cup game, it offers the chance to soak up the atmosphere," said Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit.
Mini-stadium to attract huge crowds
The stadium is to be a replica of Berlin's Olympic Stadium on a scale of 1:3.3. Up to 10,000 fans can sit in the arena which Adidas said will cost tens of million of euros to build. All 64 World Cup games are to be broadcast on giant screens on the grounds at the Reichstag. Adidas expects up to 70,000 visitors per day.
Yet the action will not be limited to passive spectating. Around the stadium, soccer fields will be set up. Tournaments are supposed to be held. Schools are encouraged to take field trips to the park and play soccer. Also, no World Cup in Germany would be complete without a beer garden. The public in general should have a good time.
Even on those few days when soccer players and fans have the day off from the tournament, the mini-stadium will host concerts. US hip-hop group "The Black Eyed Peas" are scheduled for June 28. English singer-songwriter James Blunt is scheduled to perform on July 7.
Final match pitch to be sold to general public
Adidas also does not want to chase people away by charging high ticket prices. The cost to get into the soccer park will be one euro and just three euros to get into the stadium, excluding concerts of course. All proceeds will go to charity.
When the World Cup is over, the cherished grass in front of the Reichstag will be replaced.
Finally, for those fanatics who feel that being at the finals is the only true way to feel the fervor but still can't get their hands on those elusive tickets, they can at least smell the grass.
This year, for the first time ever, the general public can purchase a potential piece of soccer history --they can already reserve a section of the final match pitch. German mail-order house Quelle has the rights to sell the pitch patches. The cost: A modest 75 euros.