Once again this year Bayer 04 fans can look forward to a real highlight at the start of the new season with the season launch – albeit with a change: This year's event takes place for the first time in the Neuland Park (Rheinuferpark) in Leverkusen. In keeping with the great view of the Rhine, this year's motto is: Celebrate on the Rhine. The Werkself starts the new campaign the day before; with the DFB Cup tie away to Pforzheim presenting the first challenge for Heiko Herrlich and his players.
The two stadium announcers Pitti and Tobias will open the event at 11.15 CET and that will be followed by a round-table discussion with Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler on stage. The eSport player Marvin 'M4RV' Hintz will be presented and he will demonstrate his prowess with an exhibition match
Of course, another highlight again this year is the presentation of the new squad including all new signings - plus the autograph session to follow where, above all, young fans can get autographs of and photos with their favourite Werkself players. In between those two events, there will be live music from the Mavericks and the Bayer 04 Club will again provide numerous attractions in addition to the programme on stage.
Not only the Bayer 04 family will be guests at Neulandpark on 19 August: As part of the 'LEVspielt³' Event, the park is one of three venues for the big children's festival organised by the City of Leverkusen. Attractions including obstacle courses, face painting and bouncy castles which will help light up many children's eyes - it's worth dropping in.
Anybody regularly attending Werkself home games at the BayArena will know about using shuttle buses: The season launch event sees Bayer 04 providing a shuttle bus service from the Kurtekotten car park. From 11 in the morning, fans can travel free of charge from there to Rheinallee; the return journey is available until six in the evening. In hopefully nice weather and pleasant temperatures it's also worth travelling by bike along the Rhine. There will be plenty of bike stands available at the event site.
11.15 CET: Event opened by stadium announcers Pitti and Tobias
12.00 CET: Official welcome and round-table discussion with Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler
13.00 CET: Presentation of Marvin 'M4RV' Hintz and live gaming
followed by: Official presentation of team on stage
and: Live music from the Mavericks
Then: The autograph session
Around 17.00 CET: Event ends
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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