DFB Cup quarter-finals
Tarpaulins cover large parts of the north stand in the Saarbrücken stadium – why?
The “cow meadows” in Saarbrücken’s Ludwigsparkstadion are covered by black tarpaulins (archive image)
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The two grandstand areas in the Ludwigsparkstadion in Saarbrücken, which are covered by tarpaulins, are called “cow meadows”. What’s behind it – and underneath?
Many television viewers may have had to look twice at the previous DFB Cup games of Pokalschrei 1. FC Saarbücken – and the quarter-final game this Tuesday evening against Borussia Mönchengladbach was also special Ludwigsparkstadion again.
Both outer areas of the lower tier of the north stand, opposite the main camera position, are covered with white tarpaulins with the host club box and black tarpaulins. There is only room for fans in four seating blocks around the center line. What’s behind the strange-looking stadium design?
“Cow pastures” in Ludwigspark Saarbrücken covered with tarpaulins
One thing is clear: the unused areas are causing discontent among the supporters and those responsible at 1. FC Saarbrücken, as more of the traditional club’s tickets, some of which are in great demand, could ultimately be sold if the entire stand were available for fans.
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But nothing will come of it. The city of Saarbrücken, as the owner of the stadium, which has a capacity of around 16,000 spectators, rejects any expansion of capacity by using the entire stands. “In our view, sustainable development of the north stand is feasible,” a city spokesman told the football magazine “Kicker” last year. “A short-term expansion of the undeveloped areas in the lower tier would not be sustainable.”
The background is that if the affected lower tier were to be expanded, the spaces created would not be covered. However, this is required by the German Football League in the event of a possible promotion of 1. FC Saarbrücken to the second Bundesliga. The city spokesman continued that additional uncovered seats in the lower tier of the north stand would not be recognized by the DFL in the second division.
There are currently only sloping areas of earth and grass under the tarpaulins – the two unused parts of the stands are therefore nicknamed “cow pastures”. They were created as part of the stadium renovation from 2016, which was marked by financial difficulties. The striking foils have been covering the areas since 2021. At first they were exclusively black, later the white version with the club logo was added. The tarpaulins may continue to cause irritation for some time. According to “Sportschau”, the city and club only want to invest money in 2025 to expand the “cow pastures” and the roof – or even to rebuild the entire north stand.
Sources: “kicker”, City of Saarbrücken, “Sports Show”