27 Jan 2009Hoffenheim open new 30,000-seat stadium

Football Technology and Stadia

German league leaders Hoffenheim officially opened their new €60 million stadium on Saturday (January 24th) ahead of the resumption of the Bundesliga this weekend.

The club, who are this season's surprise package having only won promotion to the top flight last year, have unveiled their new 30,000-seat Rhein-Neckar arena, located in Sinsheim.

Software billionaire Dietmar Hopp, who funded the stadium, explained that he hopes the new surroundings will inspire the club's players to continue their remarkable push for the title.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, he was quoted by Reuters as saying: "I wish the Hoffenheim wonder continues on an endless run in this stadium. I hope we remain on the German soccer map for a long, long time."

Hoffenheim have confirmed that all 20,000 season tickets have been sold out, while it will be possible for the capacity of the stadium to be reduced to 27,500 for international fixtures.

The club currently lead the way in the Bundesliga on 37 points, ahead of champions Bayern Munich on goal difference.

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