A Glorious Past
Schalke bid farewell to their Parkstadion home in 2001 after 28 years of play. The Bundesliga side had called the multi-purpose venue their home since 1973 before moving to the modern Veltins Arena. Parkstadion, which once hosted high-profile concerts and World Cup matches, has now been left in ruins.
The Last Season
The 2000-01 season marked Schalke's final year at the Parkstadion. With a capacity of 62,004, the ground held more spectators than most Premier League stadiums. In a dramatic thriller, Schalke defeated SpVgg Unterhaching 5-3 in the last game, leading fans to believe they had secured the title. However, a last-minute equalizer by Bayern Munich elsewhere snatched the victory from Schalke's grasp.
Abandoned and Demolished
Following Schalke's departure, Parkstadion was partially demolished. The remains of the stadium now stand less than a kilometer away from the Veltins Arena, serving as a nostalgic reminder of its former glory. One stand remains open, featuring benches instead of individual seats. The pitch still exists, occasionally used by Schalke for matches, including friendly games.
A Hotel and Memories
Behind one of the goals at Parkstadion, a hotel has been built for fans to stay on matchdays at Veltins Arena. Fans can also catch glimpses of the abandoned stadium as they enter the new ground. While Schalke has faced hardships in recent years, including two relegations from the Bundesliga, the memory of Parkstadion lives on as a cherished part of the club's history.
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