The stadium on Hafenstraße will most likely be expanded. However, it will probably also be given a new name. These are the plans of the city of Essen.

The stadium on Hafenstraße – home to SGS Essen and Rot-Weiss Essen – is to be expanded.

The plan is to expand the four corners of the stadium, which are currently still open, to a capacity of 26,800 seats.

In addition, the infrastructure around the stadium is also to be partially expanded and improved. Following the planning decision already made by the council, a construction decision is now to be brought about at its upcoming June meeting.

The basis for the decision is, among other things, the agreement between GVE Grundstücksverwaltung Stadt Essen GmbH (GVE) and Rot-Weiss Essen e.V. (RWE) on a lease agreement to be concluded for the use of the stadium.

Important to note: The name “Stadion an der Hafenstraße” will probably be lost in the future.

This is because the city reports that, from 2027, GVE will receive new income from the reallocation of the naming rights to the stadium as an additional source of revenue to cover operating costs.

The contracts are to be signed by March 2026 – this is a prerequisite for the start of the tender and construction contract award process. Otherwise, the council committees will have to deal with the issue of construction and the start of construction again before the tendering phase begins.

The city of Essen has now issued a press release on the following topics.

Costs and financing

A total of around €29.4 million gross is estimated for the expansion. Of this, approximately €4.7 million can be claimed as input tax, meaning that the actual financing requirement is around €24.7 million. Financing will be provided in stages between 2025 and 2027.

New lease agreement with Rot-Weiss Essen

The new lease agreement between GVE and RWE includes a more flexible model that initially covers the 3rd division. This will allow for a better response to sporting developments.

Space for fan work – social projects right at the stadium

Another core element of the concept is a new building for social fan work. This will offer activities for teenagers and young adults, with a focus on respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, as well as combating exclusion and discrimination.

The building will be multifunctional and will also serve as a clearing and accreditation point for international matches. Small toilet facilities and lockers for bags and helmets are being considered. Up to one million euros have been earmarked for the construction.

Bicycle-friendly: More space for environmentally conscious travel

Instead of a bicycle parking garage, ground-level bicycle parking facilities are now to be built in the vicinity of the stadium. These are more cost-effective, flexible, and accessible—especially for e-bikes and cargo bikes. A specific location is currently being determined.

Possible schedule

Construction will begin after the 2025/2026 season in coordination with the main users, RWE and SGS Essen 19/68 e.V. The latest start date for construction would be June 2026, provided that the building permit has been granted. The estimated costs are as follows: For 2026, around 6 million euros of the total amount is estimated. In 2027, an estimated 19 million euros will be required to complete the four corners and the windbreak.