Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024

St Jakob-Park: FC Basel 1893

St. Jakob-Park is the home of FC Basel 1893, a renowned football club in Switzerland. This stadium has a rich history and has played a significant role in both national and international football. Let’s explore the fascinating details and features of this iconic venue.

A New Era for Basel Football

In 2001, St. Jakob-Park was officially opened as the new home ground for FC Basel, replacing the old St. Jakob Stadium. The decision to build a new stadium was made due to the aging condition of the previous venue. Designed by Basel-based architects, Herzog & de Meuron, the construction of St. Jakob-Park cost over €140 million.

Host of European Championships

St. Jakob-Park gained prominence when it served as one of the host stadiums for the 2008 European Championships, which were jointly held by Austria and Switzerland. The stadium hosted three group matches, two quarter-finals, one semi-final, all of Switzerland’s games, and the opening ceremony of the competition. It was a thrilling time for both FC Basel fans and football enthusiasts.

Stadium Stats

Let’s take a look at some interesting statistics that define St. Jakob-Park:

  • Year Opened: 2001
  • Capacity: 38,512
  • Average Attendance: 29,001
  • Record Attendance: 39,730 (Switzerland vs. Czech Republic, 2008)
  • Pitch Size: 105 x 68 meters (7,140 square meters)
  • Owner: Genossenschaft Stadion St. Jakob-Park
  • Clubs Hosted: FC Basel 1893

Seating Plan and Where to Sit

St. Jakob-Park has four sides: North, South, East, and West. The seating sections are conveniently labeled A, B, C, and D, making it easy to find your designated area. Here’s a breakdown of the stands:

  • North Stand: Expanded in 2008 with three tiers of seated sections.
  • East Stand: Home to Basel’s passionate supporters, as well as the Fanshop and the Museum.
  • South Stand: Hosts both corporate seating and essential facilities such as the dug-outs, tunnel, and player’s changing room.
  • West Stand: Houses away supporters in one corner and families in the other.
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FC Basel 1893 Ticket Prices

FC Basel adopts a transparent and straightforward approach to ticket pricing. Unlike many other clubs in Europe, they have a standard ticket price that remains consistent regardless of the opposition or competition. The ticket prices are categorized based on the seating area within the stadium. Discounts of 20% are available for children aged 6-16 accompanied by an adult and other concessions with a valid ID. Additionally, the ticket serves as a valid transport pass for up to four hours before and after the match.

Ticket prices range from €17 to €75, depending on your age and the seating location you choose.

How To Get FC Basel 1893 Tickets

Securing tickets for FC Basel matches is relatively straightforward. You can visit the fan shop at St. Jakob-Park or the Markus Vogel Fan Shop at Station SBB. Please avoid purchasing tickets from individuals outside the stadium to ensure authenticity and reliability.

Getting To St Jakob-Park

St. Jakob-Park is conveniently located around three kilometers west of Basel’s city center. Here are several transportation options to consider:

  • Train: Traveling from London to Basel is feasible via the Eurostar from St. Pancras International to Paris, followed by an SNCF train to Basel SBB. Once in Basel, take tram 8, 10, or 11 to Aeschenplatz and transfer to tram 14, which will take you directly to St. Jakob-Park.
  • Bus: Bus lines 36 (BVB) or 37 and 47 (BLT) provide transportation to the stadium, with the nearest stop being St. Jakob.
  • Car: If driving, the journey from London to Basel takes approximately nine hours. Within Basel, you can reach the stadium via Routes 12 and 2.
  • Air: The nearest airport to Basel is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, located about two miles northwest of the city center. Bus number 50 or trams 8, 10, or 11 can transport you from the airport to the city center.

Taxi service is also available, costing around €15 from the city center to the stadium.

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Parking Near St Jakob-Park

For those traveling by car, parking spaces are available near and underneath the stadium. Additionally, a shopping center across from the stadium offers approximately 2,100 parking spaces.

St Jakob-Park Hotels

Basel not only offers a wonderful football experience but also presents a beautiful city worth exploring. Consider staying at one of the lovely hotels in Basel during your visit. Here are a few notable options:

Pubs and Bars Near St Jakob-Park

Basel boasts a diverse selection of pubs and bars, offering a perfect pre-match pint atmosphere. Here are a few establishments worth considering:

Facilities

Due to the extensive redevelopment in preparation for the 2016 Europa League final, St. Jakob-Park boasts excellent facilities. The stadium offers two restaurants open to the public, as well as various other food and drink venues to cater to your needs before, during, and after the match.

Hospitality

FC Basel 1893 prioritizes providing a premium hospitality experience for its guests. Here are a few of the lounges available:

  • The Captains Lounge: Dedicated to the club’s captains throughout the years, this lounge offers early access, food and beverage choices, and lower-level seating in section A.
  • The Cooking Lounge: A unique hospitality experience where guests can cook their own meal or assist chefs in meal preparation. Similar benefits are provided as in the Captains Lounge.
  • The Baloise Lounge: Available in five different categories, each offering a distinct experience. The lounge features modern furnishings and a warm, classy ambiance.
  • Eventbox: Designed for corporate events, accommodating up to 48 people. You’ll have access to the area two hours before the game, along with ample food and drink options.
  • Warteck Box Pub: Resembling an old-fashioned pub, this lounge offers a buffet with pub food and a bar for a pre-match pint before heading to your seat.

Private Hire

St. Jakob-Park offers numerous private hire options, with various suites and rooms available for different types of events. Whether hosting a business meeting or a private party, the stadium provides versatile spaces to cater to your requirements. For more information, contact the club directly to explore your options.

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Stadium Tours & Museum

Experience the excitement of St. Jakob-Park by taking a stadium tour. The tours run daily from 8am to 8pm, excluding match days and music concerts. Guided tours include visits to the changing rooms, pitchside, tunnel, and press area, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets cost 15 Swiss Francs for adults and 10 for concessions, and the tours are conducted in German. Don’t forget to explore the FCB Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of club memorabilia, including shirts, pennants, photos, and trophies. Entry to the museum is free.

About FC Basel 1893

FC Basel 1893 is the most successful football club in Switzerland, having won the Swiss Super League twenty times. They have experienced a revival in recent years, consistently competing in European competitions since the 1999-2000 season. Notably, they reached the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League and the last sixteen in subsequent seasons. FC Basel 1893 was formed in 1893 after an advertisement seeking players was placed in a newspaper. They have a rich history and continue to make waves in Swiss football.

St Jakob-Park History

St. Jakob Stadium, FC Basel’s former home, was used from 1954 until its closure in 1998. The old stadium holds significant football memories, having hosted matches during the 1954 World Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup on multiple occasions. In the early 1990s, plans were made to construct the new St. Jakob-Park due to the deteriorating condition of the previous venue. The new stadium, named St. Jakob-Park, became Switzerland’s largest football venue. It had a capacity of 33,433, expanded to 42,500 for the 2008 European Championships. Nowadays, it can accommodate 38,512 for Swiss Super League matches, 37,500 for Swiss international matches, and 60,000 for music concerts.

Future Developments

St. Jakob-Park underwent extensive renovation ahead of the 2016 Europa League final, making it a modern and up-to-date stadium. As a result, no significant changes are expected in the foreseeable future.