Get swept up in the excitement of a Hannover 96 soccer game and cheer for the home team alongside 49,000 other supporters. The arena has played an important role in the sporting history of Hannover for decades, and hosted soccer games in two World Cups over 30 years apart.
The HDI Arena first opened in 1954 and has undergone several phases of construction and renovation over the decades, as well as having a few different names. It started life as Niedersachsenstadion and held this name until 2002, when it was changed to the AWD Arena as a result of a sponsorship deal. Visit today to see it as HDI Arena, so named for its sponsors, the insurance firm HDI Gruppe.
The stadium’s biggest phase of reconstruction came in the lead up to the 2006 World Cup, the second time the arena had participated in a World Cup. Some €66 million ($55 million) was spent on the modernizations, which involved almost completely rebuilding the arena. Be sure to notice the impressive roof architecture, which was one of the major installations.
Embark on a guided tour of the HDI Arena, run by Hannover 96. It is a great way to see the stadium if you visit when there isn’t a game scheduled. The tours last 90 minutes and you get a good insight into the behind-the-scenes workings. You will visit the VIP areas, mixed zone and press rooms. There are a few tours a month and tickets can be purchased on the official arena website.
HDI Arena is located approximately 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) from Hannover city center. Walk there in 20 minutes or hop on the S-Bahn rail for a quick connection. The main train station is a 30-minute walk from the stadium. There is ample parking for those arriving by car. Tickets for Hannover 96 matches can be purchased online on the official website, at the Fanshop at the HDI Arena, or at several other authorized sale points around the city center.
