Back
5.06.2018BayArena

BayArena named Pitch of the Year

A great honour for Bayer 04 and the BayArena: An expert panel from the German Football League (DFL) judged the BayArena to be the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year for the 2017/18 campaign – ahead of Bayern Munich (Allianz Arena) a last year's winners Borussia Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park).
Barrierefreie_Tour.jpg

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.

Related News

20261018_FS1_6607.jpg
Bundesliga - 31.10.2026

Matchday news: Take cup momentum into Stuttgart home game

Fans at the BayArena got to enjoy a spectacle on Wednesday as the Werkself came from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the DFB Pokal. Now with the sixth home game of the season, can Bayer 04 maintain their perfect record in Leverkusen as VfB Stuttgart come to town in the Bundesliga on Saturday (15:30 CET)? The visitors have had issues domestically this term, sitting in 15th place, although they have had much better results in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 8 encounter…

Show more
Die PK vor dem Heimspiel gegen den VfB Stuttgart | Bundesliga, 8. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 30.10.2026

Martínez ahead of Stuttgart match: Press forward with renewed energy

Three days after the spectacular comeback in the DFB Pokal tie against FC Nürnberg (5–2), the Werkself face their next challenge in the Bundesliga. On Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), Bayer 04 host VfB Stuttgart, currently 15th in the table, at the BayArena. Ahead of the match, Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about important factors in preparing for this next game given a tight fixture list.

Show more
VfB Stuttgart
Bundesliga - 30.10.2026

Our next opponents: The two sides of VfB Stuttgart

Despite VfB Stuttgart performing well in the Champions League, they are facing a difficult spell early on in the Bundesliga. Three days after their last-minute victory in the DFB Pokal at SC Paderborn 07, the Swabians can now take to the pitch at the BayArena with greater confidence on Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Herbstcamp mit Loreen Bender und Selina Ostermeier
Football Academy - 29.10.2026

Bender and Ostermeier visit Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp

A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.

Show more