"I'm very optimistic that we will have a successful season," said the chairman of the board Fernando Carro at lunchtime on a stage decorated with black and red balloons and he continued: "We want to get back in the top four in the league and go as far as we can in the Europa League and the DFB Cup. Of course, we need the support of our fans again."
And that was definitely in evidence on this Sunday in beautiful summer weather: 12,500 Black and Reds found their way to the Neuland Park over the course of the day. Many of them were among the first to find out about Leon Bailey's contract extension. Sporting director Jonas Boldt was the bearer of this positive news – and that was greeted by great applause. "We said we wanted to keep the team together. But not just keep it together as we have very ambitious targets at the end of the day and all the lads who've stayed with us identify with that," said the 36-year-old. And Rudi Völler, who was unable to attend due to a TV commitment, sent a video message for the fans.
Whether it was the presentation of the new home kit, the professionally compered FIFA exhibition match on stage between Bayer 04 e-sportsman Marvin 'M4RV' Hinz and a fan prize winner, a preview of the musical '1904', the presentation of the first team squad or one of many interesting talks – there was no shortage of attractions at this family fest. Numerous partners and sponsors plus Bayer 04 sections were on hand to invite fans to try things out, get involved and join in competitions. The commitment shown on the day to provide members and fans with memorable experiences was impressive and brilliantly received: In spite of the very warm weather, young and old gathered in their numbers for six hours at the many marquees and stands.
The autograph session proved to be particularly popular with all the Werkself players and coaching staff, with the exception of Julian Baumgartlinger (torn knee ligament) and Dominik Kohr (suffering with a cold), taking part for two hours to fulfill the wishes of the fans.
Rüdiger Vollborn has been at the club for 40 years, he holds the record number of Bundesliga appearances for the club (401) and is the only Bayer 04 player to have won both the UEFA Cup (1988) and the DFB Pokal (1993). And the Berliner stayed with the Werkself after ending his impressive playing career as he worked as a goalkeeping coach for the following nine years. Vollborn now works under the Bayer Cross as a fan liaison officer and club archivist. Since February 2021, the personalised Black and Red lexicon takes Werkself fans under the heading of 'Rudi recounts...' on a brief trip through the history of Bayer 04 every month…
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From special edition jerseys to fan banners, the home game against Mainz 05 was all about the many Bayer 04 fan clubs. Accordingly, a fitting tribute to the long-standing Werkself supporters was not to be missed during half-time in the Bundesliga match. Fernando Carro, CEO, honoured the up to 50-year anniversaries of six fan clubs in front of the coaches' benches at the BayArena.
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It is an expression of solidarity and a tribute to the unique fan culture Under the Cross: Bayer 04 Leverkusen make a special statement with the "50 Years of Fan Clubs" jersey. To mark the founding of the "First Fan Club 1976 Leverkusen", which was followed by many more over the years right up to the present day, the Bundesliga club is commemorating 50 years of passion with this new jersey. Highs and lows, successes celebrated together as well as defeats suffered are manifested in this piece of white fabric, a symbol of unwavering identification with the Werkself.
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There’s lots going on at the BayArena today. The home game against FSV Mainz 05 is all about the numerous Bayer 04 fan clubs, whose birth - the founding of the "1. Fanclub 1976 Leverkusen" - dates back 50 years. A number of fan club representatives will be involved in awards, a banner display and a half-time matchday chat, and the Werkself are set to play in a special white fan club jersey. During half-time, Leverkusen mayor Stefan Hebbel and javelin world champion Steffi Nerius will also talk about the Olympic bid involving Leverkusen. Black and Red fans are advised to get to the stadium in good time today. Matchday news.
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The Werkself host Premier League club Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on 10/11 March. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.
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