Mewa Arena (Opel Arena) | Mainz

Information

Landmark: Mewa Arena (Opel Arena)
City: Mainz
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe

Mewa Arena (Opel Arena), Mainz, Germany, Europe

MEWA ARENA (formerly known as Opel Arena) is the primary football stadium in Mainz and the home ground of the Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05.

Visual Characteristics

The stadium is a modern, purpose-built football arena characterized by its striking red facade and steep, single-tier stands that bring spectators close to the pitch. It features a distinctive four-tower floodlight system and a translucent roof structure. The interior is designed to maximize acoustic resonance, creating a high-decibel environment during matches.

Location & Access Logistics

Located at Eugen-Salomon-Straße 1, 55128 Mainz.

Public Transit: On match days, shuttle buses run frequently from Mainz Hauptbahnhof. The tram lines 51 and 53 serve the "Mainzelbahn" route with a stop at "Jakob-Heinz-Straße/Arena."

Access: Accessible via ticketed entry for matches or via pre-booked stadium tours.

Parking: Limited parking at the stadium. Use the "P+R" (Park and Ride) lots at Mainz-Hechtsheim or the University area.

Cycling: Extensive bicycle parking is provided directly outside the entrance.

Historical Origin

Opened in July 2011 to replace the aging Stadion am Bruchweg. It was originally named the Coface Arena, then Opel Arena (2016–2021), before transitioning to its current name. The stadium was built with a focus on sustainability, including one of the largest solar power installations on a stadium roof in Germany.

Key Highlights & Activities

Mainz 05 Home Games: The primary venue for Bundesliga football.

Stadium Tours: Guided "Behind the Scenes" tours include access to the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, and VIP areas.

Fan-Shop: The official club store is located on the ground floor of the main stand.

Events: The arena functions as a regional conference center and event venue on non-match days.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The stadium is fully wheelchair accessible, with dedicated seating areas for disabled supporters and elevators serving all levels. It features modern catering kiosks using a cashless payment system. 5G signal is robust and optimized for high-capacity crowds.

Best Time to Visit

Match Days: For the full atmosphere (usually Saturdays or Sundays).

Non-Match Weekdays: For stadium tours and a quieter visit to the fan shop.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is the pitch heating system, which utilizes recycled heat from nearby industrial processes. Historically, the stadium is named in honor of Eugen Salomon, the founding chairman of Mainz 05, who was murdered during the Holocaust; his name serves as the official street address for the arena.