Key facts
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach | Opening: 1919 | Closing: 2004 | Final capacity: 34,500
Description
The Bökelbergstadion was for more than 80 years the home of Borussia Mönchengladbach until it got replaced by the new Borussia-Park.
Construction of the stadium was about to start in 1914 when the First World War broke out. It therefore took until 1919 for the stadium to be completed. It officially opened on the 21st of September of that year.
Initially the stadium was called Westdeutsches Stadion, or de Kull, after the den in which the stadium was built. It was only in the late 1950s when the name Bökelberg took root. By that time the stadium also got extensively renovated, resulting in a capacity of about 32,000, mostly standing places.
In the following years only minor renovations (a second tier and roof on the main stand) were made. With a capacity of 34,500 the stadium remained relatively small and its facilities were limited.
By the 1990s Borussia therefore started looking into building a new stadium, and in 2002 construction started of the Borussia-Park. The last match played at the Bökelberg was a Bundesliga match between Borussia and TSV 1860 (3-2) on the 22nd of May 2004.
For a few years the Bökelbergstadion remained standing without use, but in 2006 the stadium got demolished and replaced by a housing development.
3 comments
Stationed in Germany in the 80s MG became the team for 6 “Englanders” as we were called by the local fans. Our place on the terrace was saved for us. We sang, we cheered and we cried MG. Great stadium and fans. Remember the chants of Uwe as Uwe Rahn would come on the field..
I was born and raised in Monchengladbach. I was in an Orphanage in Brueggen.Once I reached the Age of 15 years I lived my Life alone.I finished my Apprenticeship as Backer and another 2 years as a Konditor.(Pastry Chef.As I was very lonely, but every 2th weekend I went to the Bokelberg, and that made me the happiest man on Earth. And now I am in Australia, and still Love the best Team in the world. I can’t wait until next year when I visit The Borussia Park. And hope that we finally winn the Bundesliga Championship, or the European League Championship.
fond fond memories as this was the stadium back in 1986 to 1990 where my passion for football was reignited. how great it was just to walk from my house 10 minutes down the road and rock up and buy a ticket to see the likes of Uwe Rahn, Michael Fontzeck,Hans Jorg Criens and Kamp in goal, Hochstatter in midfield, it was an electric atmosphere but one as a 16 year old not at all intimidating and very very friendly. Will never forget the great games, players and fans from those years, great days!!!