The dates are set: The Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg in the first round of the DFB Cup on the penultimate day in July. The new season launch event with the fans will take place at the BayArena a day later. In addition, the venue for the first pre-season friendly has also been confirmed.
A weekend that all Bayer 04 supporters should circle in red in their diaries: First, the Werkself play SV 07 Elversberg (kick-off: 15.30 CEST) in the first round of the DFB Cup on Saturday 30 July. Tickets for the match are expected to go on sale on Tuesday 5 July.
A day later on Sunday 31 July, the Werkself invite all fans to the official season launch at the BayArena. The area between the Ulrich Haberland Stadium and the motorway is open from 10.30 CEST and entry is free of charge. A Black and Red programme of events to mark new season awaits young and old alike for the following six hours.
The highlight of the day is planned for lunchtime: The team under head coach Gerardo Seoane will be presented to the fans. That will be followed by an autograph session with Lukas Hradecky & Co. taking time out for the supporters. A varied programme of events is planned with lots of opportunities for the whole family to join in.
There is also an opportunity to secure the new Werkself shirt and have it printed as required. Anyone not looking for new kit but who wants to avoid missing any of the home games in the 2022/23 season has the chance to try out a potential season card seat at the BayArena. All current season cardholders can use the Bayer 04 Service Centre to change their seats if required.
The date for the first friendly against MSV Duisburg has long been known but now the venue for the Werkself game against the Zebras on Saturday 9 July has been confirmed. Seoane and his players head 50 kilometres north to Velbert. This will provide an opportunity to gain the first insights ahead of the coming season against the third division side. The kick-off at the IMS Arena will be at 15.30 CEST. Further information on ticket sales will be announced shortly.
Calendar of events:
Bayer 04 and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer have shown great commitment to the community as the sale of custom-designed T-shirts for charity in the Fanwelt as part of the “BarmeniaGothaer Brings Joy campaign raised a good €5,000. Bayer 04 matched this sum with an equal contribution. As a result, a total of €10,000 was presented to Edmond Tapsoba for his foundation ahead of the home match against Hamburg. The foundation supports people facing challenging daily circumstances in his home country of Burkina Faso.
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Bayer 04 host Hamburg at the BayArena for the first time since September 2017 on the final day of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Saturday (15:30 CEST). HSV are safe in their first campaign back in the top flight after back-to-back wins, but Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 19 games against promoted teams as they go for the victory they need to have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. There’s also heavy discounts on food and drinks at the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 fixture in our matchday news.
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