Once again this year Bayer 04 fans can look forward to a real highlight at the start of the new season with the season launch – albeit with a change: This year's event takes place for the first time in the Neuland Park (Rheinuferpark) in Leverkusen. In keeping with the great view of the Rhine, this year's motto is: Celebrate on the Rhine. The Werkself starts the new campaign the day before; with the DFB Cup tie away to Pforzheim presenting the first challenge for Heiko Herrlich and his players.
The two stadium announcers Pitti and Tobias will open the event at 11.15 CET and that will be followed by a round-table discussion with Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler on stage. The eSport player Marvin 'M4RV' Hintz will be presented and he will demonstrate his prowess with an exhibition match
Of course, another highlight again this year is the presentation of the new squad including all new signings - plus the autograph session to follow where, above all, young fans can get autographs of and photos with their favourite Werkself players. In between those two events, there will be live music from the Mavericks and the Bayer 04 Club will again provide numerous attractions in addition to the programme on stage.
Not only the Bayer 04 family will be guests at Neulandpark on 19 August: As part of the 'LEVspielt³' Event, the park is one of three venues for the big children's festival organised by the City of Leverkusen. Attractions including obstacle courses, face painting and bouncy castles which will help light up many children's eyes - it's worth dropping in.
Anybody regularly attending Werkself home games at the BayArena will know about using shuttle buses: The season launch event sees Bayer 04 providing a shuttle bus service from the Kurtekotten car park. From 11 in the morning, fans can travel free of charge from there to Rheinallee; the return journey is available until six in the evening. In hopefully nice weather and pleasant temperatures it's also worth travelling by bike along the Rhine. There will be plenty of bike stands available at the event site.
11.15 CET: Event opened by stadium announcers Pitti and Tobias
12.00 CET: Official welcome and round-table discussion with Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler
13.00 CET: Presentation of Marvin 'M4RV' Hintz and live gaming
followed by: Official presentation of team on stage
and: Live music from the Mavericks
Then: The autograph session
Around 17.00 CET: Event ends
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
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