Back
5.06.2018BayArena

BayArena named Pitch of the Year

A great honour for Bayer 04 and the BayArena: An expert panel from the German Football League (DFL) judged the BayArena to be the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year for the 2017/18 campaign – ahead of Bayern Munich (Allianz Arena) a last year's winners Borussia Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park).
Barrierefreie_Tour.jpg

This is the fifth  Bundesliga  Pitch of the Year award. The assessment was made by a three-person panel of experts consisting of members of the German Pitch Society (DRG e.V.) based on the three elements of the  'sport assessment system', 'panel assessment of measured data and grading' and on-site evaluation by the panel. The sport assessment system involves the captains of both clubs and the referee giving their verdict on the condition of the pitch after every match in the top two divisions of the Bundesliga on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). The rankings are calculated by the total of the average ratings.

The award is based on the expectation the pitches in the  professional leagues will look good and play perfectly over the course of the season. The playing surface is used at all times of year and in all weathers so it requires proper care. In addition, the conditions have to be provided to play a normal game. That places the highest demands on the quality criteria for the pitch.

The ground staff at Bayer 04 are led by the head groundsman Georg Schmitz.

The award will be presented at the eleventh Information Meeting for Ground Staff on 9 September.

Related News

Bauarbeiten für das Haus der Talente
Bayer 04 - 15.09.2026

Construction work on the Talent House continues: soil removed, basement excavated

Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.

Show more
Frauen-Kurzpässe vor #B04FCB
Women - 14.09.2026

Women: Matchday news #B04FCB

Special events for a special match: Bayer 04 are offering fans a varied programme of events at tonight’s home game in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga against German champions Bayern Munich (kick-off: 18:00 CEST). Alongside a number of interactive activities, events to mark the DFB Sustainability matchday are also planned around the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. Read on in the matchday news ahead of the clash with FC Bayern.

Show more
Fritz-Walter-Medaille in Gold für Eichhorn und Onyeka
Bayer 04 - 14.09.2026

Fritz Walter Gold Medals for Eichhorn and Onyeka

Once again, two Fritz Walter Gold Medals are heading to Leverkusen: Bayer 04 new signing Kennet Eichhorn and Francis Onyeka, a product of the Werkself youth set-up, currently on loan at SV Elversberg, were honoured for their performances during the 2025/26 season. The DFB announced the awards on Monday, 14 September. The Fritz Walter Medal is the most prestigious individual award in German youth football.

Show more
Roberto Pätzold
Women - 13.09.2026

‘Every team is vulnerable’: Bayer 04 Women host double winners FC Bayern

Following two close encounters against VfL Wolfsburg and away to TSG Hoffenheim, the Bayer 04 Women face another top side on Monday night. The Werkself host German double winners Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 18:00 CEST to round off matchday 4 in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Head coach Roberto Pätzold is counting on another spirited performance from his team.

Show more