Construction of the stadium began in 2002 and was completed in 2004.[citation needed] It was built to replace the former Rheinstadion at the same site near the river Rhine.
The structure's initial seating capacity of 51,500 was expanded in summer 2010 when some seating areas were converted into standing terraces, and it currently[when?] holds 54,600.[3]
The stadium has a retractable roof, as well as a heating system making it possible to comfortably host events throughout the year.
Sports events
International football matches
While the stadium was not one of the venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, it has hosted several international matches since it opened.
The first international match at the stadium was an international friendly between Germany and Argentina on 9 February 2005, ending in a 2–2 draw. On 7 February 2007, Germany played their second international friendly in the Arena, beating Switzerland 3–1. On 11 February 2009, Germany suffered[tone] a 1–0 defeat to Norway.
Portugal also played two international friendlies at the stadium. On 1 March 2006, Portugal recorded a 3–0 win over Saudi Arabia.[citation needed] On 26 March 2008, Portugal played their second international friendly at the stadium, suffering[citation needed] a 2–1 defeat to Greece.
In September 2022, the venue hosted a friendly between the United States and Japan.
UEFA Euro 2024
The stadium was one of the venues for the UEFA Euro 2024. However, due to sponsorship contracts, the arena was called "Düsseldorf Arena" during the tournament.
The naming rights to the stadium are currently[when?] held by gambling company Gauselmann.[12]
From July 2009 to August 2018, the clothing manufacturer Esprit held the naming rights.[13] Prior to July 2009, the German airline LTU held the naming rights.
Düsseldorf's mayor Dirk Elbers stated that, due to treaty obligations, the arena would lose its sponsor name and be renamed Düsseldorf Arena for the period of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 which was held there in May 2011.[14]
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