Gelsenkirchen is a city in the heart of the Ruhr area in North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany. With a population of around 270,000, it is the smallest city hosting Euro 2024. Once a center of Germany's mining industry, Gelsenkirchen is now a "smart city" focusing on green energy and innovation, featuring the largest solar power plant in the country and several wind power plants.
The "Veltins-Arena" also known as "Arena auf Schalke", opened in 2001 and was one of the most modern stadiums in the world. It boasts a retractable roof, a movable pitch, and the world's longest beer pipeline, along with a mine-themed players' tunnel. The stadium has hosted major events, including five matches of the 2006 World Cup, the 2004 Champions League final, the 2010 Ice Hockey World Championship opening game, and the traditional Christmas biathlon race. For Euro 2024, it will host Serbia vs. England, Spain vs. Italy, Georgia vs. Portugal, and a round of 16 match.
In Gelsenkirchen, everything revolves around "Schalke", the city's only professional football club. Schalke has won the German championship seven times, the German Cup five times, and the UEFA Cup in 1996/97. The main fan scene is Nordkurve Gelsenkirchen, led by Ultras Gelsenkirchen, founded in 2002. Schalke's fiercest rival is Borussia Dortmund, with their matches known as the Ruhr derby, considered the "Mother of all derbies" in Germany.
Visiting Gelsenkirchen provides a comprehensive view of Germany's industrial past, transitional and so eclectic present, and innovative future, making it an ideal destination for various interests.
