Manuel Hartmann, managing director of match operations at DFB GmbH & Co. KG, presented the trophy to Michael Meuthen from the Bayer 04 groundsmen at the 16th information meeting for groundsmen in Leipzig on Monday. Borussia Dortmund’s reserves were also honoured for the playing surface at the Rote Erde stadium in the men's 3. Liga.
“The Bayer 04 Leverkusen groundsmen did another great job, with a score of 9.03 out of a possible 10 speaking for itself. It’s a special achievement to be honoured for the fifth year in a row,” said Hartmann. “We hope that clubs will continue to strive for outstanding pitch quality in order to create the best possible conditions for attractive matches.”
After each league match, the team managers of the home and visiting clubs and the referees are asked to use the ‘Greenkeeping Tool’ to rate the quality of the pitch using a 10-point system. An overall Bundesliga table is compiled from the individual ratings. Last year, Bayer 04 won Pitch of the Year in the men's competition for the second time in a row for the turf in the BayArena, the third award for head groundsman Georg Schmitz and his team. This year, the Leverkusen pitch came second behind Leipzig's Red Bull Arena.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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