8.08.2024Bayer 04

Season launch event: U19 league game – supporting programme update

Back at the BayArena again: The Bayer 04 official season launch is on Saturday, 10 August. Ahead of the Werkself friendly against the top-flight Spanish club Real Betis at 15.30 CEST, there is a U19 home game against Alemannia Aachen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium (13.00 CEST). And away from the pitch there will be a comprehensive supporting programme of events – including the Meisterschale and the DFB Pokal trophy. The latest information.

stadium opens earlier

All ticket holders for the season launch, who would like to watch the U19 clash with Alemannia Aachen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, can enter via the North West entrance from 12.30 CEST. There will be no segregation on the day. It will not be possible to watch the U19 game without a ticket for the season launch.

All the other stadium entrances at the BayArena will open at 13.30 CEST two hours before kick-off as usual.

Anyone wanting to watch the U19 match, who does not have a ticket for the season launch, can watch the free live stream of the youth game on the Bayer 04 media channels.

running order for photoes with the trophies

With the opening of the West side at the BayArena at 12.30 CEST, the trophies won by the Werkself in the 2023/24 season will be displayed on the piazza. All Bayer 04 Club members with a ticket for the season launch can now apply for a time slot for a photo with the Meisterschale and the DFB Pokal.

Please note: There will be a 30-minute photo break from 15.00 CEST when the trophies will not be on the piazza. The Meisterschale and DFB Pokal will be by the side of the pitch during that time when the Werkself squad for the new season is officially presented. As with last year, the team under head coach Xabi Alonso will receive a guard of honour from Lions Club members.

other programme highlights – special event after the game

Away from the U19 game and the photo action there will be other highlights for young and old alike. A large number of games will be set up around the concourse at the BayArena. In addition, fans can look forward to exciting interview partners for the stadium announcers Petra ‘Pitti’ Dahl and Tobias Ufer. As well as the Werkself squad, the Bayer 04 Women's team will also be officially presented.

Please note: The new catering prices for the 2024/25 season will apply from the season launch on Saturday. Bayer 04 also calls on fans to take part in the reusable cup donation scheme at home games at the BayArena.

Tickets for the season launch are still available, click HERE to access the Bayer 04 online shop.

Stadion-Übersicht

It will also be worthwhile staying on at the BayArena after the friendly against Real Betis: The Werkself and the Bayer 04 Women will – supported by the children from the Lions Club – will get close to the fans as they distribute balls around the stadium.

important travel information

Leverkusen City Council asks all visitors to the stadium to use public transport, bicycles or to travel by foot. There will be road closures from four hours before kick-off. The City of Leverkusen has put together key traffic and travel information for the season launch on Saturday. The summary in German is available HERE.

Related News

Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026

Bayer 04 extend Noah Mbamba’s contract and loan the Belgian to FC Lorient

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.

Women - 08.08.2026

Goal fest with a hat-trick from Kramer: Women’s team beat Feyenoord 7-0

Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.

Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026

Bayer 04 commit to continuity: contracts with Carro and Rolfes extended ahead of schedule

The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.

Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026

Season launch 2026: Special offers and free printing

There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.