This is the fifth Bundesliga Pitch of the Year award. The assessment was made by a three-person panel of experts consisting of members of the German Pitch Society (DRG e.V.) based on the three elements of the 'sport assessment system', 'panel assessment of measured data and grading' and on-site evaluation by the panel. The sport assessment system involves the captains of both clubs and the referee giving their verdict on the condition of the pitch after every match in the top two divisions of the Bundesliga on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). The rankings are calculated by the total of the average ratings.
The award is based on the expectation the pitches in the professional leagues will look good and play perfectly over the course of the season. The playing surface is used at all times of year and in all weathers so it requires proper care. In addition, the conditions have to be provided to play a normal game. That places the highest demands on the quality criteria for the pitch.
The ground staff at Bayer 04 are led by the head groundsman Georg Schmitz.
The award will be presented at the eleventh Information Meeting for Ground Staff on 9 September.
The Bayer 04 women’s team secured a win in the friendly during the international break. Without a total of eight international players, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team defeated Bundesliga 2 side Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1 at the Kurtekotten Training Centre, thanks to goals from Lobke Loonen (1’, penalty), Caroline Kehrer (41') and Valentina Mädl (66').
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Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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During the first international break of the 2026/27 season, set to last just under three weeks, nine Bayer 04 first-team players are in action with their respective national teams. Read on for updates on matches featuring Werkself players…
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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