The fans of VfL Bochum created a special atmosphere with a large choreo before the match against SC Freiburg.

The floodlight masts in Bochum’s Ruhrstadion grew on Sunday afternoon. The fans of VfL Bochum presented a large choreography in honor of the stadium across the entire east curve before the home game against SC Freiburg (here in the live ticker) and had also attached the floodlight masts, often referred to as “fly swatters”, to the fence. Blue and white flags were also flown, creating a unified image.

With the choreography, the Bochum fans also made it clear once again that the Ruhrstadion on Castroper Straße is a non-negotiable location for them. “VfL comes from Castroper Strasse and it should stay here,” was written on a large banner on the fence of the east curve. At kick-off, the supporters lit blue and white pots of smoke. The game then had to be briefly interrupted because the smoke filled the Ruhrstadion with fog.

VfL Bochum’s stadium has been the subject of repeated discussions in recent months. However, a new location, including a new building, has been ruled out by club officials and politicians. Instead, the Ruhrstadion is to be modernized in its current form. An expansion within the scope of possibilities is also being discussed. However, the extent to which this can be implemented is still being planned.

The city of Bochum wants to establish a new ownership company for this purpose. The Ruhrstadion, the Hiltroper Straße youth training center, training pitches, tennis courts and the Stadioncenter site are to be combined in this company.

The sports committee has already approved the plans and the council is due to make a decision in March. The Ruhrstadion in Bochum is to be renovated and converted, and the city is now taking further steps in the background. The jewel box “anne Castroper” is getting on in years. In addition, VfL Bochum, with a capacity of 26,000 spectators and only around 1,350 VIP seats, does not see itself as competitive in the Bundesliga in the long term.