Whether at the stadium with your family, watching on TV with friends, traveling to away games or enjoying activities outside of a matchday, being a fan creates bonds that last forever. “Love that lasts a lifetime!” And sometimes even beyond.
But what happens when a loved one can no longer be there? When a familiar seat in the stands remains empty, yet the shared memories live on forever? To honour these people even during home games at the BayArena – and to allow them to be there in spirit on matchdays – Bayer 04 has created a permanent memorial area.
Just how important such shared moments of remembrance are was impressively demonstrated on 18 May 2024 – the day Bayer 04 were presented with the Bundesliga trophy for the first time. In the 20th minute of the home game against Augsburg, the club paid tribute to those who were no longer with us to witness what was arguably the greatest day in the club’s history. Emotional tributes were sent up to the heavens, and pictures and posters were displayed in honour of those who had supported the Werkself for many decades.
Please note that “Celebrating in our Hearts!” is not a service offering immediate grief counselling. For professional support during times of grief, Bayer 04 recommends other resources.
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
Show more
Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
Show more
Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
Show more
In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
Show more
