Matchday Germany
RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne

Matchday Guide

Köln Matchday Guide

Experience football, Kölsch culture and one of Germany's warmest and most passionate supporter communities.

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Overview

Football with a carnival spirit.

1. FC Köln is one of Germany's most popular and best-loved football clubs. Founded in 1948, the club won the inaugural Bundesliga season in 1963/64 and remains one of the country's best-supported teams.

Home matches take place at the RheinEnergieStadion in Müngersdorf. The matchday experience combines an intense stadium atmosphere with the warmth, humour and carnival character of Cologne.

Tickets

Demand is regularly high.

Köln has a huge fanbase and regularly sells out the RheinEnergieStadion. High-profile matches and regional rivalries can be particularly difficult to access.

Usually Available

  • Midweek fixtures
  • Lower-profile opponents
  • Selected early-season matches

High Demand

  • Most weekend league fixtures
  • Cup ties against strong opponents
  • Promotion or relegation battles

Very High Demand

  • Borussia Mönchengladbach
  • Fortuna Düsseldorf
  • Bayern München
  • European home fixtures

Recommended Purchase Options

  • Official 1. FC Köln ticket shop
  • Official resale platform
  • Hospitality packages

Always use official channels. Tickets for major Rhine derbies are extremely difficult to obtain through normal public sales.

Stadium

RheinEnergieStadion

The current RheinEnergieStadion opened in 2004 on the site of the old Müngersdorfer Stadion. It is a compact four-stand ground with excellent sightlines throughout.

The roof focuses the sound towards the pitch and helps create one of Germany's most powerful stadium atmospheres. The venue also hosted matches during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Südkurve

The home of Köln's most vocal supporters. Standing terraces, flags and continuous singing make it the engine of the matchday atmosphere.

Main Stand

A seated area with excellent views, modern facilities and greater comfort for first-time visitors.

Family Areas

Dedicated sections offer a more relaxed experience for families and visitors attending with younger children.

RheinEnergieStadion

Attendance & Atmosphere

One of Germany's loudest grounds.

The compact design and the passion of the Cologne fanbase produce an intense sound from the moment the stadium begins to fill.

Cologne supporters combine deep emotion with warmth, humour and the generous carnival spirit of the city. The experience is as much about the people as the match itself.

Pre-Match Tradition

Mer stonn zo dir.

Before kick-off, supporters throughout the stadium sing “Mer stonn zo dir, FC Kölle”. Sung in the local Kölsch dialect, it is one of the most distinctive and beloved anthems in German football.

Hennes The Billy Goat

The club's live mascot is named after legendary player and coach Hennes Weisweiler. Spotting Hennes is part of every Köln matchday.

Getting There

Tram 1 to Müngersdorf.

From Cologne city centre, take Tram 1 from Neumarkt to the RheinEnergieStadion stop.

Travel time from the city centre is approximately 20 minutes.

From Cologne/Bonn Airport, take the S-Bahn S19 to Cologne Hauptbahnhof and continue by public transport towards the stadium. Total travel time is approximately 35–45 minutes.

Parking is available around the stadium, but traffic becomes heavy after the match. Public transport is recommended.

Before The Match

Arrive 90–120 minutes early.

Early arrival gives you enough time to experience the pre-match build-up, visit the museum and fan shop and enjoy a Kölsch around the stadium.

Kölsch Culture

Kölsch is traditionally served in small 0.2-litre glasses. Around the stadium it is available from kiosks, mobile stalls and nearby bars, making it an essential part of the local matchday ritual.

Inside The Stadium

No bad seats. No quiet moments.

The compact design means that every section feels close to the pitch. The roof directs the sound towards the lower tiers and helps create an atmosphere that regularly surprises first-time visitors.

Food & Drink

Kölsch 0.5l€5.50
Bratwurst€4.80
Currywurst€4.80
Soft Drink 0.5l€4.90
Water 0.5l€2.50

Catering prices surveyed August 2026. Add €2 cup deposit. The ground is cashless throughout, including the deposit refund.

Matchday Budget

Cheapest way in: standing €18. Travel on the VRS network is included in the ticket.

A seat: up to €83 in category 1, depending on the opponent.

Food and drink: Kölsch €5.50, bratwurst €4.80, plus €2 cup deposit. Around €14 for a drink and something to eat.

Prices, capacities and transport details on this page were last checked on . Confirm anything that matters with the club before you travel.

After The Match

Continue in the Old Town.

Tram 1 becomes crowded immediately after the final whistle. Waiting briefly around the stadium can make the return journey more comfortable.

Cologne's Old Town remains lively long after the match. The area around the cathedral contains breweries, bars and restaurants serving Kölsch.

Recommended Hotels

Stay near the cathedral.

City Centre

The area around Cologne Cathedral and the central station provides excellent transport links and easy access to the Old Town.

Near The Stadium

Staying in western Cologne gives you easier access to the RheinEnergieStadion while remaining connected to the city centre by tram.

Booking Tip

Cologne hosts major trade fairs throughout the year. Check the exhibition calendar because hotel prices can rise sharply.

Continue Exploring Cologne

Football, culture and the Rhine.

Cologne is one of Germany's most enjoyable football cities and offers far more than the match itself.

Cologne Cathedral

One of the world's greatest Gothic cathedrals and the defining landmark of the city.

Cologne Old Town

Historic streets, traditional breweries and restaurants serving local Kölsch beer.

Museum Ludwig

An outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art next to the cathedral.

Chocolate Museum

A popular riverside museum exploring the history and production of chocolate.