Originally built as the Volksparkstadion (People's Park Stadium) in 1953, the ground was completely rebuilt in 1999 as the impressive modern arena that you see in these pictures. AOL Arena or World Cup Stadium? In 2001, AOL paid a reported 30m DM (around 15.3m euros) for a five-year ground naming deal that saw the stadium rechristened the AOL Arena (although many locals still call it the Volksparkstadion).  However, FIFA have ruled that sponsored stadium names are not allowed for the World Cup (except in Stuttgart - don't ask why!!), and have rebranded it for 2006 the 'FIFA World Cup Stadium, Hamburg'.  Snappy, huh?

Facts and figures Bundesliga capacity: 55,000, all covered, includes 45,000 seats World Cup capacity: c. 45,500, all seats Disabled capacity: 120 special seats / wheelchair places. Pitch rotated during rebuild to run north-south Undersoil heating added Address: Sylversterallee 7, 22525 Hamburg Map of stadium location