“We started the project in 2015 and have held it in Cologne five times. There is always great demand and that’s why we start selling tickets for the following year immediately after the event,” explained Ralf Becker from the organisers DuMont LiveKon. “We started taking advance bookings for the event in Leverkusen today. We’ve already sold 2,500 without any real advertising.”
Stefan Kießling, on behalf of the Bayer 04 management, is already looking forward to the singing at his sporting home: “It will be a beautiful, pre-Christmas celebration for all our guests,” said the former striker who often sings Christmas carols with his children. “We’ve got a special playlist for that. And as soon as the festive season arrives, the requests start coming from the back of the car.”
Choir director Michael Kokott can hardly wait for the event either: “In contrast to the title of the event, there are no Rhineland songs on the night but rather classic and international Christmas carols.” The communal pre-Christmas event brings generations together and it provides its own “personal stamp” to a reflective, family atmosphere. This will help to transform the stadium into a cathedral. “The public are the star at this event and they are centre-stage. Every visitor is cordially invited to join in with the singing,” said Kokott.
Song sheets will be provided and the words projected on screens in the stadium. The music group ‘Loss mer Weihnachtsleeder singe’ will be joined by the Bayer AG choir and St. Stephan’s youth choir. Any other choirs interested in taking part are welcome to contact the organisers.
The event on 21 December starts at 19.00 CET, doors open at 17.00 CET. Tickets are available from €5 plus booking fee at www.koelnticket.de.
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').
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Show moreAn average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.
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