Football stadium: Sportforum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

One of the most exotic football match experiences I have had, is watching a match at level 4 in the Germany football league system between Dynamo Berlin and Energie Cottbus at the Sportforum Stadium in East Berlin in 2021. Around 2 000 enthustiatic home supporters cheered their team which won the match with a last second winning goal. The stadium is very worn and most of the spectators had to stand. But the atmosphere was euphoric and the beer serving was plentiful, as always at German football matches.

The Sportforum Berlin, located in the district of Hohenschönhausen, was established in the 1950s during the era of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Originally designed as a training center for elite athletes, the facility quickly became a cornerstone for sports development in East Germany.

Dynamo Berlin, officially known as Berliner FC Dynamo (BFC Dynamo), is a football club with a storied history that reflects the complexities of sports, politics, and society in Germany. Based in Berlin, the club was founded in 1966 and became one of the most dominant teams in East German football before the reunification of Germany in 1990. When I visted the stadium, the club played in Regionliga (level 4) in the German football division system.

The opponent, Energie Cottbus, played in the Bundesliga in the 2008-9 season.

Date visited: July 28, 2021

Match watched: BFC Dynamo - Energie Cottbus 2-1

 

Football stadium: Lofthus Road, London, England

Nestled in the heart of Shepherd's Bush, West London, Loftus Road Stadium stands as a cherished cornerstone of English football. Though modest in size compared to some of the Premier League's colossal grounds, it’s a venue rich in history, character, and a unique intimacy that few stadiums can match. For Queens Park Rangers (QPR) fans, Loftus Road isn't just a stadium—it’s home.

Despite speculation over a new stadium to accommodate QPR’s long-term ambitions, Loftus Road continues to be the club's spiritual home. Its charm and intimacy set it apart from newer, soulless arenas. To the fans, leaving Loftus Road would mean saying goodbye to a century of memories woven into the fabric of the club.

Loftus Road might not have the glitz and glamour of Wembley or the Emirates, but it has something far more precious: history, community, and an atmosphere that echoes the very soul of football. The game we watched was played a cold Friday night, but the atmosphere was impeccable.

Date visited: February 19, 2019

Match watched: QPR - West Bromwich 2-3

 

Football stadium: Arena Civica Gianni Brera, Milan, Italy

Milan, a city known for its fashion, design, and the San Siro football stadium, holds an often-overlooked gem at its heart: the Arena Civica Gianni Brera. Nestled in the picturesque Parco Sempione, this neoclassical stadium is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to the city’s history and cultural legacy.

The Arena Civica was inaugurated on August 18, 1807, under the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. Designed by the renowned architect Luigi Canonica, the arena was inspired by ancient Roman amphitheaters, combining classical elegance with practical functionality. Its original purpose was to host public events such as horse races, festivals, and even naval battles—thanks to its ingenious design, which allowed it to be flooded with water.

Over the years, the arena adapted to Milan's evolving cultural landscape. In the 20th century, it became synonymous with sports, hosting football matches, athletics, and even cycling events. It was renamed the Arena Gianni Brera in 2002 to honor the celebrated Italian sports journalist and writer Gianni Brera.

The match I attended was Internazionale vs AC Milan in the italian women’s top league. The match was played on a beautiful sunny and chilly Saturday afternoon. The match were quite open, but Inter scored the winning goal in the middle of the second half, securing well deserved 3 point.

 

Football stadium: Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Nestled in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, the Johan Cruyff Arena stands as a monument not only to football but to the spirit of innovation and excellence that Johan Cruyff embodied. Opened in 1996, this impressive stadium has become the home of AFC Ajax, one of the most successful football clubs in Europe. Named after the legendary player and coach Johan Cruyff, the arena reflects his profound impact on the game.

The Johan Cruyff Arena is notable for its state-of-the-art facilities and its unique architectural design. With a seating capacity of around 55,000, it boasts an impressive retractable roof, allowing for a versatile environment suited for both football matches and a variety of events, including concerts and festivals. This adaptability makes it one of the most sought-after venues in the Netherlands.

The stadium's design is not just about aesthetics; it incorporates cutting-edge technology. From a high-definition video screen that provides fans with an immersive viewing experience to advanced lighting and sound systems, every detail is crafted to enhance the spectator experience.

Visited: October 29, 2016

Match: Ajax - Excelsior 1-0

Goal scorer: Hakim Ziyech

 

Football stadium: Giuseppe Meazza, Milano, Italy

Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, often referred to as the San Siro, is a legendary football stadium located in Milan, Italy. It is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and has been home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan since its opening in 1926.

The stadium was originally named after the famous Italian footballer Giuseppe Meazza, who played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, most notably in 1980 when it was completely rebuilt. Today, the San Siro boasts a modern and functional design, with a capacity of around 75,000 spectators.

Growing up with Arrigo Sacchi´s golden team in the beginning of the 1990´s, the stadium was the home of the best football at that time.

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The atmosphere in the stadium is a cauldron of passion, a symphony of chants, and a visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression. The steep stands, filled with thousands of passionate fans, create a deafening roar that reverberates throughout the stadium.

Date visited: November 25, 2023

Match: AC Milan - Fiorentina 1-0

Hernandez´s winning penalty goal:

 

Football stadium: Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy

Nestled along the banks of the Tiber River in the vibrant city of Rome stands a coliseum of modern times, echoing the grandeur of its ancient counterparts. Stadio Olimpico, the crown jewel of Rome's sporting landscape, is more than just a stadium; it's a testament to Italy's rich sporting history, cultural significance, and architectural prowess.

Stadio Olimpico has witnessed countless historic moments since its inauguration in 1937, but its true legacy was cemented during the 1960 Summer Olympics, where it served as the centerpiece of the Games. Since then, it has been the stage for iconic football matches, electrifying concerts, and thrilling athletics events. Stadio Olimpico is the hallowed ground for two of Italy's most storied football clubs: A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio.

The atmosphere I experienced at Stadio Olimpico is by far the best I have experienced in any stadium, with ovrer 70 000 fanatic Giallorossis chanting int the stands.

Date visited: November 3, 2022

Match watched: AS Roma vs Ludogorets in Europa League

Final score: 3-1