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Suspended above, a lengthy cord

Düsseldorf City and football club Fortuna Düsseldorf have sealed a new 'Arenapact', which outlines their collaboration regarding the Merkur Spiel-Arena. This agreement ensures a fixed rental rate for the stadium till the 2028/29 season, as per Düsseldorf Mayor Stephan Keller's announcements.

In a Strand: a rephrased version
In a Strand: a rephrased version

Suspended above, a lengthy cord

In the heart of the city, Fortuna's stadium has undergone a significant transformation, thanks to the "Arena Plus" initiative. Launched in December 2024, this collaborative project between Fortuna and D.Live has brought about noticeable changes since its inception.

The initiative has proven to be a game-changer for Fortuna, with the city and its passionate fans reaping the benefits. In its first year alone, the project generated additional revenues of approximately 750,000 euros.

The playing field has also seen a boost, earning the prestigious title of "Pitch of the Year" in the 2024/25 season. The field's success is just one of many improvements under the "Arena Plus" umbrella.

The modernization of the arena is comprehensive, with over 20 million euros being invested. This investment has resulted in the installation of a modern LED floodlight system, a photovoltaic system on the roof of the arena, and the renovation of the loge and business areas.

The beer garden, the new LED upper tier, and modernized VIP areas are all examples of joint projects under the "Arena Plus" initiative. New VIP packages that combine football and concert experiences are also in the pipeline, aiming to make the arena more attractive to fans and visitors.

Events such as Christmas parties are being planned, adding to the arena's calendar of activities. High-caliber season-opening games are also being considered, further enhancing the arena's appeal.

New content formats are being developed as part of the initiative, with the aim of making the arena a hub for entertainment and sports. Kiosks, pedestrian bridges, and bicycle parking spaces will be expanded, making the arena more accessible and user-friendly.

The central pillar of the "Arena Plus" initiative is aimed at providing planning security for Fortuna. Board member Alexander Jobst emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating that "more can be achieved through collaboration than alone."

The "Arena Plus" initiative is a unique alliance, connecting Fortuna with artists specializing in immersive audio and creative concepts, supported by technical experts like d&b Audiotechnik. This collaboration is further extended to the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, making the initiative a significant cultural event in the city.

The "Arena Plus" initiative was officially launched with events running from August 27 to August 30, 2025. With its successful first year and exciting plans for the future, Fortuna's stadium is set to continue its journey of transformation and growth.

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