Esprit Arena Sports Fan Tips
Esprit Arena is a venue in Dusseldorf
How do I get to Esprit Arena?
First things first – you won't want to walk to the stadium – it's around 5km away from the city centre and over 7km away from the main train station. Luckily there is an easier way than walking and a cheaper way than getting a taxi.The Dusseldorf Metro (U-Bahn) runs from the main station – hop on the number U78 and ride the metro till the Arena – Stadium Esprit Arena/Messe Nord is the last stop on the line so you can't miss it. Your game ticket also serves as a ticket for public transport so you won't have to bother paying for a ticket.There is parking at the ground if you are driving, and with over 20,000 parking spaces you shouldn't have to worry about getting a space. You will have to pay €5 for the spot.
Best Insider tip at Esprit Arena?
Don't worry about buying a bus or metro ticket when you head to the game – if you have a match ticket, this also serves as your ticket for public transportation!
Things to check out around Esprit Arena?
Even if drinking isn't particularly your thing, you have to check out Dusseldorf's old town. With over 300 bars and pubs squeezed into a small area, it is a sight worth seeing!The Rheinpark is a great place in Dusseldorf that really gives the city a great metropolitan feel. The promenade is flush with cafes and trees and you can spend a whole day wandering up and down.The Schloss Benrath just outside the city is a wonderful place to spend a day – just think of a German version of a grand French chateux! A piece of history near an increasingly modern city.
Esprit Arena seating?
As is typical with most football grounds – the most passionate fans tend to gather behind the goals at the Esprit Arena, especially behind the South goal, the apparent home of the 'Fortunafans' and the rest of the ultras. You'll see plenty of flags and banners especially in Block 40/41, the so-called "Support Area" is a standing room area made up by the Fanprojekt Düsseldorf and the Fanbeauftragten of Fortuna. As it is a new stadium, the seats all have spectacular sight lines and the seats pretty comfy with great legroom. Ticket prices range from €11 in the corners to over €60 for the best seats in the house. It really does depend on where you want to sit.
What to expect from the Esprit Arena crowd?
Despite currently playing the the second tier of German football, Fortuna Dusseldorf's home games always have a good atmosphere. They have a very good following and a pack of ultras that always keep the game humming along nicely. The atmosphere is best when the roof is closed. The noise and the electricity have nowhere to go, so it just builds and builds to a crescendo.
Best Food and Drink at Esprit Arena?
The Esprit Arena, being built in 2004, has plenty of kiosks on the concourses for food and drinks so the queues are minimal which is always a big plus! The food is your standard German footballing food with plenty of Fries, Hot Dogs, Pretzels and Burgers. You can wash it down with an ice cold beer that you can bring to your seat! The beers are €4 but you will need to pay a €1 surcharge for the cup – which can be refunded at the end of the game.
Best restaurants near Esprit Arena?
If you fancy the taste of some expertly cooked lamb, served up with hummus, pitta and much more – then Bosporus really is the place for you! It's popularity with the locals really makes it a hot spot in the city.German food can be a little heavy – so if you are after something a little lighter – or perhaps something with a little more cheese, why not head to Pizzeria Trattoria Romantica. Offering a taste of Italy in Dusseldorf, their pizza is to die for and their prices are pretty hard to beat.Sometimes nothing else will do than an enormous steak – luckily, this is what The Bull Steak Expert GmbH specialise in! They serve some of the best steaks in the county – and yes this is going to be expensive, but sometimes, for the right steak – you've just gotta do it.
Best Bars around Esprit Arena?
The Alstadt or Old Town in Dusseldorf is world renowned for having an almighty collection of bars and pub with over 300 of them. Indeed, it's known as the longest bar in the world!Zum Schlüssel is a locals favorite – though be careful, if they see you with an empty glass they will put a full glass of beer down on the table in front of you.The Alstadt offers something for everyone – with a bacon tasting beer brewed in places such as Zum Uerige, to bars with €1 shots. Just take a walk around this 1 square km district and have a lot of fun!