It remains to be seen when the Werkself fans will be allowed to support their team on home turf again. But what is certain: Whenever the BayArena is able to welcome back spectators, a number of changes will be evident.
The biggest, visible change will be above the heads of the spectators: The scoreboards in the South and North Stands are to be replaced. The new ones are, at 97 square metres, bigger than the previous models from 2009 (68 square metres) and also guarantee a better picture quality. Also new: The scoreboard in the South Stand will be sited a floor higher on the fourth floor. That will improve visibility for the spectators.
Coming to the BayArena will be even more of a pleasure for disabled fans in the future. The seats for visually impaired fans in Block H will have a wider access with handrails to make it easier to get to the seat, the toilet or snack bar. The so-called ‘Big and Tall’ seats will be further enlarged, fitted with a handrail and have more legroom.
Following the renewal of the flooring in the stairwells in the West Stand, it is now the turn for access points in the East Stand. The new surface is more non-slip and will provide a safer environment in wet weather. And the look fits in perfectly with the Werkself: The stairwells will shine in Black and Red splendour in future. The balustrades in the second and third floors and the doors on the bottom floor will also receive a new coat of paint.
The Werkself players can also look forward to several changes. The first team squad will have a new kitchen on the third floor in close proximity to the ‘Werkstatt’. Chefs Alexander Wagner and Domenik Kulisch will be able to cook for Lars Bender and Co. under ideal conditions.
Training pitches 2 and 3 will also be returfed to provide good and reliable training conditions. All the turf including subsoil will be replaced.
The majority of the planned building works are already in train. The last of the craftspeople will have left the BayArena by the end of August.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
