MEWA ARENA

In 2011, a roar erupted from the newly built MEWA ARENA. This wasn’t just any cheer. This was the sound of a city celebrating a new era. The MEWA ARENA, formerly known as Coface Arena and later Opel Arena, replaced Mainz’s older Stadion am Bruchweg. The construction took a swift 22 months, culminating in a grand opening on July 4, 2011. A few weeks later, the first match echoed through the stadium with a tournament featuring Mainz, Dortmund, Bayern, and Hamburg. The MEWA ARENA boasts a capacity of 34,034 for league matches and 27,000 for international games. This modern stadium features 19,700 seats and standing room for the rest. This “English-style” design, as some Germans call it, focuses solely on football. Four stands hug the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere. One stand even allows standing fans right along the sideline, a unique feature in German stadiums. The MEWA ARENA isn’t just a sporting venue. It is a symbol of Mainz 05’s ambition and a testament to the city’s love for the game. The first Bundesliga goal scored in the MEWA ARENA was a moment of triumph. Tunisian international Sami Allagui scored for Mainz 05 against Bayer Leverkusen on August 7, 2011, marking the stadium’s official entry into Bundesliga history. The inaugural match itself saw Mainz 05 defeat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0, setting a victorious tone for the arena’s future. This was more than just a game. This was the beginning of a new chapter in Mainz 05’s story, a story written on the vibrant green pitch of the MEWA ARENA.