The Ultras Gelsenkirchen presented a large choreography before the match against Hertha – it is based on the Schalke song “Zeig mir den Platz in der Kurve” (Show me the place in the curve).
The active fan scene also came up with something special for the start of the season. Just in time for the kickoff of FC Schalke 04’s home game against Hertha BSC (click here for the live ticker), a large choreography was presented in the north curve of the Veltins Arena – consisting of two parts. In addition, fans in the north stand displayed several banners with less glorious memories of Schalke’s history. For example, “License worries, FC Meineid, financial crises, sporting slumps, internal power struggles.”
Shortly before kick-off, the second part began, which was much more positive. The large banner was supplemented with the words “but we always stand hand in hand.” In addition, fans sang loudly, waved blue and white flags, and threw confetti into the air. The banners were inspired by the popular Schalke song “Zeig mir den Platz in der Kurve” (Show me the place in the curve).
Choreographed displays at Schalke are allowed again
Finally, choreographed displays are back at Schalke. A dispute between the police and the fan scene had meant that no large tifo displays had been seen in the arena for more than two years. It was only at the beginning of the year that the fans and the authorities reached an agreement and choreographed displays were approved again, partly due to minor modifications to the control center. The Ultras presented such a display again in the home game against SC Paderborn. The group also performed a large choreographed display throughout the stadium on the last matchday of the previous season. Impressive images like these will also please the German Football League (DFL) and TV rights holders – because on Friday evening, the whole of footballing Germany will be watching Gelsenkirchen. The start of the second division season attracts millions of fans to their TV screens, who can even look forward to new, exclusive insights. The match between Schalke and Hertha is the first so-called “lighthouse game” in German professional soccer. Five such matches are anchored in the new TV contract for each season.