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.
Bayer 04 host RB Leipzig at the BayArena on matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game is on Sunday 20 September with the kick-off at 15:30 CEST. The latest information on ticket sales.
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Bayer 04 host SC Freiburg at the BayArena on matchday 6 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game will be played between 16 and 18 October. The exact kick-off time has yet to be confirmed. The latest information on ticket sales.
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With the European season ticket, fans can follow and support the Werkself on the European stage during the 2026/27 season – and are guaranteed a ticket and a seat for every UEL home match at the BayArena, right up to and including a potential semi-final. In addition, holders of the European season ticket save 20 per cent on each UEL ticket.
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A successful end to pre-season! In their seventh and final friendly of the summer, the Werkself won 2-1 at Newcastle United. After Ibrahim Maza scored inside the first minute, the Magpies equalised shortly before the break. Bayer 04's attacking endeavours in the second half were rewarded in the closing stages through substitute Victor Boniface, making it six wins from seven games in pre-season.
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Bayer 04 Women warmed up for the start of the Bundesliga season with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Belgian top-flight club Standard Liège on Saturday afternoon. Over four periods of 30 minutes, Cornelia Kramer, Lilla Turanyi and Valentina Mädl each netted a brace for the dominant Werkself, after Loreen Bender had opened the scoring. Roberto Pätzold's side kick off their league campaign at RB Leipzig in eight days.
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