Voith-Arena

The Voith-Arena is a multi-purpose stadium located in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany, primarily used for association football matches and serving as the home venue for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846, a club competing in the Bundesliga.^[1][2] With a seating and standing capacity of 15,000 spectators following its final expansion in 2015, it holds the distinction of being the highest-elevation stadium in Germany's top three professional football divisions, situated at 555 meters above sea level.^[1][3] The arena also hosts concerts, events, and other sporting activities, featuring modern amenities such as a business club for up to 2,000 guests and stands positioned just six meters from the pitch for an intimate atmosphere.^[1][4] Originally constructed in 1972 as the Albstadion and owned by the city of Heidenheim, the venue underwent significant renovations starting in 2009, when it was converted into a dedicated football arena and initially renamed the GAGFAH-Arena upon reopening on June 8, 2009.^[2][4] The stadium's capacity grew progressively through expansions: to 10,000 in 2009, 13,000 in 2013, and its current 15,000 in 2015, with the club purchasing the facility from the city for €2 million to support its ascent to higher divisions.^[1] It received its present name, Voith-Arena, through a naming rights agreement with the local engineering firm Voith AG, a major employer in Heidenheim, reflecting the company's deep ties to the region's industrial heritage.^[1][5] Beyond football, the Voith-Arena has become a key community and economic hub in Heidenheim, accommodating diverse events like music performances and corporate functions while undergoing ongoing optimizations for sustainability and accessibility.^[1] Its role gained national prominence in the 2023–24 season as 1. FC Heidenheim achieved a historic eighth-place finish in the Bundesliga, drawing record crowds to the compact, fan-friendly venue that embodies the club's underdog spirit.^[3][6]

History

Origins and construction

The origins of the Voith-Arena trace back to 1970, when the city of Heidenheim an der Brenz decided to construct a multi-purpose sports facility to meet growing local demand for football and athletics venues on the Schlossberg hill in southern Heidenheim.^[7] Construction commenced in 1971 under the city's ownership and oversight, resulting in a straightforward, open-air design without initial grandstands or covered seating.^[4] The stadium, initially named Albstadion, featured a natural grass pitch encircled by a running track for athletics events, situated at an elevation of 555 meters above sea level, making it one of Germany's higher-altitude sports facilities.^[4] With basic terracing for spectators, it offered an estimated initial capacity of around 5,000 to 10,000 standing places, prioritizing accessibility for community sports over large-scale commercial use.^[8][9] Albstadion was conceived primarily as an athletics venue to support regional competitions, while also accommodating football matches for local clubs amid Heidenheim's post-war expansion as a hub for sports and industry.^[4] The city government retained full ownership from inception, ensuring the facility served public needs rather than private interests, and its modest infrastructure reflected the era's focus on functional, cost-effective community infrastructure.^[5] The stadium opened in 1972, hosting its inaugural athletics meets shortly thereafter to establish it as a key asset for track and field activities in Baden-Württemberg.^[9] Early football usage began the same year, with the Heidenheimer Sportbund playing its first match in the Amateurliga Nordwürttemberg at Albstadion, marking the venue's dual role in promoting both elite and amateur sports in Heidenheim an der Brenz.^[10] These initial events underscored the stadium's integration into local sporting culture, providing a dedicated space for clubs like the Sportbund to compete without relying on temporary or outdated grounds. Subsequent adaptations for football would follow, but the original setup emphasized athletics as the primary focus.

Renovations and expansions

The renovations and expansions of the Voith-Arena were initiated in 2009, driven by 1. FC Heidenheim's promotion to the 3. Liga and the need to meet German Football Association (DFB) licensing requirements for professional football facilities.^[4] The original Albstadion, which had included an athletics running track since its 1971 construction, underwent a major remodeling beginning in June 2009 to transform it into a dedicated football venue.^[8] This phase involved removing the running track, extending the south stand across the full field length, and adding three new stands to boost capacity and improve sightlines for spectators.^[4] The stadium reopened on June 8, 2009, as the GAGFAH-Arena, with an initial capacity of around 10,000, coinciding with the club's entry into professional football. Further works continued into 2010.^[1] Subsequent expansions from 2013 to 2015 were necessitated by the club's further promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, requiring compliance with higher league standards including a minimum capacity of 15,000.^[2] In 2013, the southern corners were enclosed to add more seating, followed by the completion of the northern corners in 2015, along with the installation of solar panels for energy efficiency.^[4] These works increased the total capacity to 15,000, with approximately 5,905 seats and 9,050 standing places, solidifying the venue's role as a modern professional football stadium.^[4] The total construction costs for these recent renovations amounted to €22.80 million, funded through a combination of municipal investments by the city of Heidenheim and private sponsorships.^[2] During this period, the stadium's naming reflected efforts to secure financial support amid rising costs. Originally known as Albstadion, it was temporarily renamed GAGFAH-Arena from 2009 to early 2011 under a sponsorship deal with the housing company GAGFAH to help offset renovation expenses.^[2][11] In mid-February 2011, it was renamed Voith-Arena following a new sponsorship agreement with the local engineering firm Voith, which continues to provide naming rights.^[2][11] These upgrades marked a decisive shift from a multi-sport facility supporting athletics and other events to a football-centric venue optimized for professional matches, enabling 1. FC Heidenheim to host competitive games in higher divisions without relocating.^[4] The changes not only addressed regulatory demands but also enhanced the overall infrastructure to support the club's ambitions in German football. In April 2019, 1. FC Heidenheim purchased the stadium from the city of Heidenheim for €2 million, becoming its owner.^[12]

Design and facilities

Capacity and layout

The Voith-Arena has a total capacity of 15,000 spectators, comprising approximately 9,000 covered standing places and 6,000 covered seats (including business and luxury seating with 37 boxes).^[13] This configuration was finalized following expansions that closed the corners and extended the South Stand between 2013 and 2015.^[1] The stadium lacks a running track, allowing for close proximity to the pitch—approximately 6 meters from the sidelines—which enhances the viewing experience for fans.^[1] The layout includes four independent grandstands: the North Stand as the primary seated area with business facilities, the opposite South Stand optimized for standing spectators after its recent expansion, the East Stand incorporating sections for families and away supporters, and the West Stand retaining its original seated design.^[4] Floodlights mounted on diagonal masts support night games, while the steep inclination of all stands fosters an intimate atmosphere despite the venue's modest scale.^[4] Full roof coverage over seating and standing areas ensures all-weather accessibility, protecting spectators from rain and sun.^[4] Since 1. FC Heidenheim's promotion to the Bundesliga in 2023, the Voith-Arena has served as the league's smallest venue while fully complying with top-flight standards for safety and facilities.^[6]

Technical features and infrastructure

The Voith-Arena features a hybrid grass playing surface measuring 105 meters in length and 68 meters in width, designed to meet the durability and performance standards required for Bundesliga matches.^[2] This surface combines natural grass with synthetic fibers to enhance stability and reduce wear from intensive use.^[14] The pitch is supported by an undersoil heating system, a mandatory feature for licensed Bundesliga venues to prevent frost damage and ensure consistent playing conditions throughout the season.^[15] The stadium's lighting infrastructure utilizes floodlights configured for optimal field illumination, supporting evening fixtures and high-definition television broadcasts in compliance with DFL and UEFA guidelines, which specify minimum lux levels of 1,400 to 2,000 for international matches. Additional media facilities, including scoreboards and camera positions, adhere to Bundesliga technical standards to facilitate seamless coverage of games. Safety systems at the Voith-Arena encompass emergency evacuation protocols, fire suppression measures, and on-site medical stations, all aligned with the stringent health and safety regulations enforced by the DFL for professional football venues. Sustainability efforts include energy-efficient elements in the lighting and heating systems, integrated with local utility networks to minimize environmental impact while maintaining operational reliability. In 2015, solar panels were installed across the entire roof to generate renewable energy.^[4] The venue's supporting infrastructure comprises secure player tunnels, modern dressing rooms equipped for team preparation, and dedicated medical bays for immediate care. On-site parking accommodates a limited number of vehicles directly adjacent to the stadium, with capacity managed to support matchday logistics.^[16] Routine maintenance has been conducted since the stadium's opening in 1972, initially through city-owned operations in Heidenheim until the club's purchase in 2015, including periodic inspections and upgrades to preserve structural integrity and technical functionality.^[2] The undersoil heating system, in particular, was incorporated as part of the 2013 renovations to bolster year-round usability.^[2]

Usage

Football and primary tenants

The Voith-Arena has served as the home ground for 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 since June 1973, when the club began playing its matches there following the stadium's opening the previous year. Over the decades, the venue has hosted the team's games across various levels of German football, from regional leagues like the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg to the professional tiers, culminating in the Bundesliga. As the primary tenant, 1. FC Heidenheim has benefited from the stadium's evolution, with the club maintaining a strong local identity tied to the facility.^[3] Key milestones in the club's tenure at the Voith-Arena include promotions that aligned with necessary expansions to meet licensing requirements. The team earned promotion to the 3. Liga in 2009 after winning the Regionalliga Süd, marking its entry into professional football.^[17] Further success came in the 2013–14 season, when 1. FC Heidenheim clinched the 3. Liga title to ascend to the 2. Bundesliga for the 2014–15 campaign, prompting renovations between 2013 and 2015 to increase capacity and infrastructure. The pinnacle arrived in the 2022–23 season with promotion to the Bundesliga as 2. Bundesliga champions, enabling the debut top-flight season in 2023–24. Record attendances reflect this rise, with the stadium's 15,000 capacity consistently filled for high-profile matches, such as sell-outs during the inaugural Bundesliga home games.^[18][4] Matchday operations at the Voith-Arena emphasize community engagement, with average attendances growing from around 12,000 in the 2. Bundesliga to full 15,000 crowds in the Bundesliga, totaling 255,000 spectators across the 2023–24 home fixtures. Fan zones outside the stadium facilitate pre-match gatherings, fostering traditions like supporter marches and local chants that highlight the club's roots in Heidenheim. Historical matches underscore the venue's significance, including the first Bundesliga victory on September 17, 2023—a 4–2 win over Werder Bremen—showcasing upsets against established top-tier opponents.^[19][20][18] In the 2024–25 season, the Voith-Arena has continued to host full-capacity crowds for 1. FC Heidenheim's home matches, with average attendances of 15,000 as of November 2025.^[19] Looking ahead, 1. FC Heidenheim anticipates potential further upgrades to the Voith-Arena to support sustained Bundesliga competitiveness, building on prior expansions that accommodated the club's ascent through the leagues.^[13]

Other events and multi-purpose activities

The Voith-Arena retains its multi-purpose designation from its origins as the Albstadion, which included facilities for athletics and other sports, though the 2009 renovation removed the running track to prioritize football capacity, thereby limiting opportunities for track events to occasional youth training sessions.^[1][21] Despite this shift, the stadium supports secondary sports uses, such as regional handball matches and training for local teams, leveraging its versatile layout for non-football athletic activities.^[22] Notable non-football events at the Voith-Arena have been sporadic since the 2010s, focusing on concerts, community gatherings, and corporate functions rather than large-scale spectacles. For instance, the Notte Italiana music festival, featuring Italian-themed performances and entertainment, drew attendees on November 8, 2025, with capacities kept under 10,000 to suit the venue's modular staging setup.^[23] Other examples include local job fairs like the Nebenjobmesse and cultural exhibitions, which utilize the stadium's indoor spaces for community engagement without requiring full-field access.^[24] These events highlight the arena's role in regional festivities, such as holiday markets and charity runs, typically occurring 2–5 times annually alongside its dominant football schedule. The venue's adaptability for multi-purpose activities is enhanced by dedicated facilities like the Sparkassen BusinessClub, which accommodates up to 2,000 guests for conferences, seminars, weddings, birthdays, and small corporate fairs, often with customized catering and technical support.^[25] Since 2010, Ahrens Events has served as the exclusive partner, managing over 1,800 corporate gatherings and 300 public events, ensuring seamless execution through services like artist bookings, lighting, and sound systems tailored to the stadium's infrastructure.^[26] Full capacity is rarely utilized outside football, preserving the pitch while maximizing ancillary spaces for these infrequent but diverse uses.^[22]

Access and surroundings

Transportation options

The Voith-Arena is accessible via multiple public transportation options, primarily through Heidenheim Hauptbahnhof, located approximately 2.2 kilometers away from the stadium.^[27] Regional trains connect Heidenheim to major cities such as Stuttgart (about 1 hour) and Ulm (around 30 minutes) via Deutsche Bahn services on the Brenz Valley line. From the main station, visitors can take local HVG buses lines 6 or 7 directly to the Voith-Arena stop, a journey of about 10-15 minutes.^[28] Road access to the stadium is facilitated by its position south of Heidenheim's city center along Schloßhaustraße, near Voith facilities. The A7 motorway provides convenient entry via exit 116 (Heidenheim), roughly 5 kilometers north of the venue, with clear signage directing to the stadium, Klinikum, or Schloss Hellenstein.^[28] On matchdays, traffic management measures are implemented to handle congestion, including restricted vehicle access near the arena without permits and recommendations to use alternative routes like exit 117 (Giengen/Herbrechtingen) for away supporters.^[29][30] On-site and nearby parking totals around 1,500 spaces, though direct stadium parking is limited and requires permits on event days to prioritize safety and flow.^[31] Overflow options include designated lots at EPCOS (Wilhelm-Kentner-Straße), Adalbert-Stifter-Realschule (Heckentalstraße 70), Karl-Rau-Halle (Heckentalstraße 25), Paul Hartmann AG (Paul-Hartmann-Straße 12), and the SV Mergelstetten sports facilities, all within 10-15 minutes' walk.^[28] For sold-out games, free shuttle buses operate from these areas to the arena every 10-20 minutes starting two hours before kickoff, with return services immediately after the match.^[28] Cycling and walking routes are available from the city center, approximately a 20-minute uphill walk along well-maintained paths to the stadium's elevated location. Dedicated bicycle racks are provided at the venue for secure storage.^[28] Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly low-floor buses on HVG lines 6 and 7 from the Hauptbahnhof, along with dedicated drop-off points and entry ramps at the stadium for visitors with mobility impairments.^[28]

Location and nearby amenities

The Voith-Arena is situated in the southern part of Heidenheim an der Brenz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, at coordinates 48°40′07″N 10°08′22″E.^[4] Positioned on the Schlossberg hill at an elevation of 555 meters, it offers scenic views across the Swabian Alb landscape and lies near the Brenz River, which flows through the city, as well as the headquarters of the Voith Group, the sponsoring industrial company based in Heidenheim.^[4][32][1] Integrated into the city's sports facilities, the arena forms part of a broader urban sports complex, adjacent to the training fields of 1. FC Heidenheim and the Heeräcker grounds, fostering community engagement with athletics and youth programs.^[1] Its hillside location enhances accessibility within the residential and educational fabric of southern Heidenheim, near local schools and the Heidenheimer Klinikum hospital. Within 1 km, visitors can access basic amenities such as supermarkets for pre-match essentials, while the city center's Hauptstraße, about 2 km away, features a variety of restaurants and shops. Accommodation options include the Schlosshotel Hellenstein, just 0.7 km from the stadium, and the Parkhotel Heidenheim, approximately 2 km distant, providing convenient stays for spectators.^[33] The site is bordered by green spaces, including a wild park that adds to its natural appeal, and operates under German noise protection regulations to minimize disturbance in the nearby residential areas.^[1][34] As the home of a Bundesliga club, the Voith-Arena drives local economic growth by attracting thousands of visitors annually for matches and events, elevating Heidenheim's profile and supporting tourism and commerce.^[18]