View source for Bielefelder Alm

{{Short description|Football stadium in Germany}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox stadium |
| stadium_name      = SchücoArena
| nickname          = ''Bielefelder Alm''
| logo_image        = SchuecoArena-logo.png
| logo_size         = 150px
| image             = Bielefeld SchücoArena.jpg
| image_size        = 250px
| caption           = View of the East (Main) Stand
| fullname          = Bielefelder Alm
| location          = [[Bielefeld]], Germany
| coordinates       = {{coord|52|01|55|N|8|31|00|E|region:DE-NW_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| built             = 1926
| opened            = 1 May 1926
| renovated         = 1996–2008
| owner             = [[Arminia Bielefeld]]
| operator          = 
| construction_cost = 
| architect         = 
| former_names      = Stadion Alm
| tenants           = [[Arminia Bielefeld]] (1926–present)<br />[[Germany women's national football team]] (selected matches)
| seating_capacity  = 27,332<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.arminia-bielefeld.de/startseite/stadion/|title=SchücoArena}}</ref>
| dimensions        = 105m x 68m
}}
'''Bielefelder Alm''' ({{IPA|de|ˈbiːləfɛldɐ ˈʔalm|-|De-Bielefelder Alm.ogg}}) is a [[football (soccer)|football]] [[stadium]] in [[Bielefeld]], [[Germany]] which is home of the football club [[Arminia Bielefeld|DSC Arminia Bielefeld]] and mostly used for the club's matches. Formerly named '''Stadion Alm''' {{IPA|de|ˈʃtaːdi̯ɔn ˈʔalm|}}, it is currently known as '''SchücoArena''' {{IPA|de|ˈʃyːkoːʔaˈʁeːnaː|}} due to a sponsorship deal with the Bielefeld-based window, door, and façade manufacturers. The stadium currently has a capacity of 27,332 following the most recent major renovations completed in 2008. Alm means mountain pasture, or simply pasture, in German. Various legends exist relating to the initial conditions of the stadium and [[football pitch | pitch]] which gave the Alm its name.

==History==
===Origin and Early Years (1926-1970)===
Arminia Bielefeld utilized a variety of locations around the city to play home matches since their founding in 1905. The first Arminia matches took place at the ''Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz'', the present day Kesselbrink, in Bielefeld. Thereafter, the club briefly played at a ground off of the former Kaiser Street, or ''Kaiserstraße'' in German, currently known as August Bebel Street. In 1910 the club moved to a new ground known as the Pottenau Sportplatz.<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo">{{cite AV media |date=2005|title= Arminia Bielefeld: 100 Jahre Leidenschaft|language=German |publisher=in4media}}</ref> The Pottenau ground was intended for 4,000 spectators, but a few thousand additional spectators were able to view matches without paying admission on the adjacent railway [[Embankment (earthworks)|embankment]].<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo"></ref>

Following the Arminia's [[Western German football championship#Western_German_football_champions|1922 and 1923 West German Football Championship]] titles,<ref name="Blaue Daten 05-45">{{cite web |title=Tabellen der Jahre 1906 bis 1945|url=https://blaue-daten.de/arminia-bielefeld-statistik-tabellen-1906-1945.html |website=Blaue Daten |access-date=13 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> the club had outgrown the Pottenau ground, but did not have the financial resources to expand.<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo"></ref> In the mid-1920s, members of the club's [[Handball]] department made contact with a local farmer by the last name of Lohmann. The club and Lohmann agreed to a 100 year lease of the property which would become Arminia's home ground.<ref name="100 Jahre">{{cite book |last1=Kirschneck, Uhlig, u. a. |title=Arminia Bielefeld - 100 Jahre Leidenschaft |date=2005 |publisher=Die Werkstatt |isbn=3-89533-479-0 |page=83 |language=German}}</ref> The first match played at the ground took place on May 1st, 1926 between Arminia and [[Victoria Hamburg]].<ref name="Alm zu Arena">{{cite web |title=Von der Alm zur Arena |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/von-der-alm-zur-arena_0000129395.jsp |website=Bundesliga.com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=13 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> Roughly 2,000 spectators attended the inaugural match which Hamburg won 5:1.

The new ground was initially referred to as the ''Stadion an der Melanchthonstraße''.<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo"></ref> The exact origin of the Alm name is the subject of various legends.<ref name ="Alm Historie>{{cite web |title=Der DSC - Historie |url=https://www.arminia.de/der-dsc/historie |publisher=Arminia Bielefeld |access-date=13 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The word ''Alm'' in German means mountain pasture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cambridge Dictionary |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/german-english/alm |access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref> The most well supported<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref><ref name="Alm Historie"></ref> theory for the origin of the name came from club member Heinrich Pehle. In the early years of the ground, Pehle said, "It looks like [a] pasture here!", referring to the poor quality and uneven surface of the pitch. The grass coverage was sparse and puddles covered the entire pitch during the Alm's early years in the late 1920s.<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> An alternative origination of the Alm name came from former player and club director Karl Demberg, who said, "Let [our opponents] come, we will make them fold on our pasture!"<ref name="100 Jahre"></ref> Engelbert Strauch claimed that, per the terms of the lease, Lohmann's cattle could still graze on the pitch while matches were not being played, thus giving the Alm its name.<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo"></ref> Arminia Bielefeld considers the Pehle quote as the most plausible origination of the Alm name.<ref name="Alm Historie"></ref>

[[File:Bielefelder alm 1939.png|thumb|left|Aerial image of the Bielefelder Alm in 1939.]]
The Alm did not have any facilities or changing rooms for the players or match officials in its early years. Nearby pub on Stapenhorststraße known as ''Schutze'' provided changing rooms and showers for the squads.<ref name="Jubiläumsvideo"></ref> Named after proprietors Else and Wilhelm Schütze, the pub was later renamed to ''Haus Wiegand'' after later owner Günter Wiegand.<ref name="tinnef">{{cite web |title=Noch so'n Tinnef |url=https://www.arminia.de/fileadmin/user_upload/sondertrikot-broschuere.pdf |website=arminia.de |publisher=Arminia Bielefeld |access-date=20 March 2024 |pages=8 |language=German}}</ref> Only one cold water shower was available for players and match officials. The pub was used as the ground's changing room until the 1960s. In 1983 the pub was renamed ''Tinneff'' after Arminia's 1920s championship left winger Walter "Tinneff" Röhe, a regular at the pub.<ref name="Kneipe">{{cite web |title=Neubau ersetzt alte Arminen-Vereinskneipe |url=https://www.nw.de/lokal/bielefeld/mitte/20407528_Neubau-ersetzt-alte-Arminen-Vereinskneipe.html |website=Neue Westfalische |access-date=20 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The original pub building was damaged by a fire in 2007 and the pub did not reopen thereafter. The building was demolished in 2015 for the construction of a new multi-use property.

Space for up to 20,000 spectators was provided by a manmade mound surrounding the pitch.<ref name="Alm Historie"></ref> The ground remained unchanged from its initial configuration for roughly three decades. In 1954, the city of Bielefeld undertook a number of modifications to modernize the ground, including the purchase of adjacent properties for the development of two alternate pitches, as well as the construction of concrete [[terrace (stadium)| terracing]]. In addition, the playing surface conditions were improved by the installation of a grass pitch.<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref>

===Expansion for the Bundesliga (1970-1996)===
In the 1960s the club played in the [[Regionalliga West (1963–1974)|Regionalliga West]], the second tier of German football.<ref name="Platzierungen">{{cite web |title=Alle Ligaplazierungen seit Gründung des Vereins |url=https://www.blaue-daten.de/arminia-bielefeld-saison-platzierungen.html |website=Blaue Daten |access-date=14 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> Halfway through the [[1966-67 Regionalliga]] season, Bielefeld was at the top of the table. Rumors arose in the local media that, should Bielefeld be promoted to the [[Bundesliga]], the Alm would not be suitable for the first tier. In the event of promotion, the club would need to play its home matches in the [[Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Stadion]] in nearby [[Herford]].<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> 

Following Bielefeld's promotion to the Bundesliga in [[1970-71 Bundesliga|1970]], the club began further renovations to the Alm.<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> A new southern stand was constructed, a main stand was built on the west side of the ground, and steel frame stands were erected on the northern and eastern sides. Following these additions, the grounds capacity was over 30,000.<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> Floodlights were added for the first time in the grounds history as well. 29,000 spectators witnessed a 1:1 draw between Arminia and [[Hertha BSC Berlin]] in the stadiums first ever night match,<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> with goals being scored by Gerd Kohl and [[Zoltán Varga (footballer, born 1945)|Zoltán Varga]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bundesliga Schema - Bielefeld v Hertha |url=https://www.kicker.de/bielefeld-gegen-hertha-1970-bundesliga-18163/schema |website=Kicker |access-date=14 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref>

The ground was expanded to a capacity of 35,000 following Bielefeld's return to the Bundesliga in [[1978-79 Bundesliga|1978]] with the addition of a steel frame stand on the north end of the ground.<ref name="Alm Liga 3">{{cite web |title=Die Bielefelder Alm – Tradtition trifft Moderne |url=https://www.liga3-online.de/die-bielefelder-alm-tradtition-trifft-moderne/ |website=liga3-online.de |access-date=19 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The newly expanded ground was renowned during the season for the particularly hostile atmosphere created by fans against visiting teams.<ref name="Alm zu Arena"></ref> The first match in the newly expanded ground was against local [[North Rhine-Westphalia]]n club [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]], and had an attendance of 34,882 spectators.<ref name="Alm Liga 3"></ref> The near capacity crowd witnessed a 3:2 victory for Arminia with Bielefeld's goals scored by [[Christian Sackewitz]], [[Norbert Eilenfeldt]], and [[Hans-Werner Moors]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bundesliga Schema - Bielefeld v Schalke |url=https://www.kicker.de/bielefeld-gegen-schalke-1978-bundesliga-15584/schema |website=Kicker.de |publisher=Kicker |language=German}}</ref>

===Rebuilding (1996-2008)===
In 1996 rebuilding work began, first the North Stand was rebuilt and then the West Stand, bringing capacity to 22,512.  In 1999 the South Stand was rebuilt increasing capacity to 26,601, and in June 2007 the capacity reached 28,008 following completion of the East Stand. The East Stand features a state-of-the-art glass roof that contains [[photo voltaic]] elements built into the glass (as opposed to mounted on it) that generate electricity for the club.

===Recent History and Sale (Since 2008)===
The construction costs of the new ''Haupttribune'' rising from the planned 11 million to 19 million euros was a significant contributor to Arminia's near [[bankruptcy]] around 2010.<ref name="Untreue">{{cite web |title=Verdacht der Untreue bei der Arminia |url=https://www.kicker.de/verdacht-der-untreue-bei-der-arminia-542592/artikel |website=Kicker |access-date=20 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> In November 2018, [[Arminia Bielefeld]] announced the sale of the stadium to "3BO GmbH" and "STBO GmbH" (each 50 percent) in order to improve the club's financial situation. Shareholders include Dr. August Oetker KG and [[Gauselmann AG]]. However, the club will retain all rights such as rental incomes and naming rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arminia-bielefeld.de/2018/11/12/arminia-schliesst-sanierung-mit-stadionverkauf-erfolgreich-ab-und-ist-netto-finanzschuldenfrei/ |title=Arminia schließt Sanierung mit Stadionverkauf erfolgreich ab und ist netto-finanzschuldenfrei |publisher=arminia-bielefeld.de |language=de |date=12 November 2018 |access-date=5 December 2018 |archive-date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113075443/https://www.arminia-bielefeld.de/2018/11/12/arminia-schliesst-sanierung-mit-stadionverkauf-erfolgreich-ab-und-ist-netto-finanzschuldenfrei/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Schüco Arena is included in the [[video game]] ''[[Pro Evolution Soccer 2008]]'', due to lack of licensing rights appearing as "Blautraum Arena". It is also in [[FIFA 22]] and [[FIFA 23]], as part of the Bundesliga licensing deal with [[EA Sports]].

{{Panorama|image= SchuecoArenaPanoramaWest.JPG|height=200|caption=The SchücoArena viewed from the West Stand during May 8th, 2011 match between Arminia Bielefeld – [[Karlsruher SC]]}}

==Other uses==
===2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup===
In 2008 [[FIFA]] and the [[German Football Association]] announced the nine host cities for the [[2011 FIFA Women's World Cup]]. Bielefeld had applied to be one of the host cities for the tournament, however, [[Leverkusen]] was selected in lieu of Bielefeld. Following Bielefeld's rejected application to host matches during the 2011 tournament, DFB Executive [[Theo Zwanziger]] committed that Bielefeld would be invited to host matches of the [[Germany women's national football team]] in the future.<ref name="venues">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110712193259/http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/organisation/media/newsid=892723/index.html Nine Host Cities announced]. FIFA.com. 30 September 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2024.</ref> The Alm was selected to host several matches of the [[2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup]], including a semifinal, the third place match, and the final.
====Group Stage====
{{football box collapsible
|date = 13 July 2010
|time = 11:30
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|BRA}}
|score = 0–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131215223032/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125152/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|PRK}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =[[Ho Un-byol]] {{goal|69}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 10,065
|referee = [[Saša Ihringová]] ([[The Football Association|England]])
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = 13 July 2010
|time = 14:30
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|SWE}}
|score = 2–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131023173317/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125151/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand women's national under-20 football team|New Zealand]]
|goals1 =[[Antonia Göransson|Göransson]] {{goal|56||67}}
|goals2 =[[Hannah Wilkinson|Wilkinson]] {{goal|33}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 10,065
|referee = [[Carol Anne Chenard]] ([[Canadian Soccer Association|Canada]])
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = 16 July 2010
|time = 15:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|BRA}}
|score = 1–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131215223017/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125150/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|19|SWE}}
|goals1 = [[Rafaelle Souza|Rafaelle]] {{goal|53|pen.}}
|goals2 = [[Antonia Göransson|Göransson]] {{goal|36}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 6,630
|referee = [[Hong Eun-ah]] ([[Korea Football Association|Korea Republic]])
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = 16 July 2010
|time = 18:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|PRK}}
|score = 2–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131023173418/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125149/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{flagicon|NZL}} [[New Zealand women's national under-20 football team|New Zealand]]
|goals1 = [[Yun Hyon-hi]] {{goal|12}}<br />Kim Un-Hyang {{goal|65|pen.}}
|goals2 = [[Bridgette Armstrong|Armstrong]] {{goal|90}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 6,630
|referee = [[Mercy Tagoe]] ([[Ghana Football Association|Ghana]])
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = 21 July 2010
|time = 15:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|JPN}}
|score = 3–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131109014720/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125153/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|ENG}}
|goals1 =[[Emi Nakajima|Nakajima]] {{goal|20}}<br />[[Natsuki Kishikawa|Kishikawa]] {{goal|74||78}}
|goals2 =[[Toni Duggan|Duggan]] {{goal|83|pen.}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 5,420
|referee = [[Mercy Tagoe]] ([[Ghana Football Association|Ghana]])
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = 21 July 2010
|time = 18:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|KOR}}
|score = 0–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20140223094043/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253537/match=300125159/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|USA}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Sydney Leroux|Leroux]] {{goal|21}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 5,420
|referee = [[Bibiana Steinhaus]] ([[German Football Association|Germany]])
}}
====Quarterfinal====
{{football box collapsible
|date = 24 July 2010
|time = 11:30
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|19|SWE}}
|score = 0–2
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20140227212417/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253549/match=300125167/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|COL}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 =[[Yoreli Rincón|Rincón]] {{goal|11}} <br /> [[Tatiana Ariza|Ariza]] {{goal|22}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 4,735
|referee = [[Hong Eun-ah]] ([[Korea Football Association|Korea Republic]])
}}
====Semifinal====
{{football box collapsible
|date = 29 July 2010
|time = 18:30
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|COL}}
|score = 0–1
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20150214163800/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253551/match=300125169/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|NGA}}
|goals1 =
|goals2 = [[Ebere Orji|Orji]] {{goal|2}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 7,040
|referee = [[Christina Pedersen (referee)|Christina Pedersen]] ([[Norwegian Football Federation|Norway]])
}}
====3rd Place Playoff====
{{football box collapsible
|date = 1 August 2010
|time = 12:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|KOR}}
|score = 1–0
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20140227223825/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253553/match=300125172/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|COL}}
|goals1 = [[Ji So-yun]] {{goal|49}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 24,633
|referee = [[Bibiana Steinhaus]] ([[German Football Association|Germany]])
}}
====Final====
{{football box collapsible
|date = 1 August 2010
|time = 15:00
|team1 = {{fbwu-rt|20|GER}}
|score = 2–0
|report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20131027112230/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/u20womensworldcup/germany2010/matches/round=253555/match=300125171/report.html Report]
|team2 = {{fbwu|20|NGA}}
|goals1 = [[Alexandra Popp|Popp]] {{goal|8}}<br>[[Osinachi Ohale|Ohale]] {{goal|90+2|o.g.}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 24,633
|referee = [[Carol Anne Chenard]] ([[Canadian Soccer Association|Canada]])
}}

===DFB Pokal Matches===
Individual first round matches of the [[DFB Pokal]] not involving Arminia have taken place in the Alm. Local clubs without the capacity or infrastructure to host a cup match in their home stadiums have used the Alm as an alternate ground.<ref>{{cite web |title=VfB Fichte bereitet sich auf Pokalspiel vor |url=https://www.radiobielefeld.de/index.php?id=296&L=0%252525253Fiframe%252525253Dtrue..&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=5045&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=e695d4c512e09319211d638b7e394301 |website=Radio Bielefeld |access-date=19 March 2024|language=German}}</ref> Both [[SC Paderborn]] and [[VfB Fichte Bielefeld]] have played first round cup matches at the Alm.
====2001-02 DFB Pokal====
{{footballbox collapsible
|bg = 
|date = 27 August 2001
|time = 20:30
|round = 
|team1 = '''[[SC Paderborn 07|SC Paderborn]]'''
|score = 1–5
|report = [https://www.kicker.de/paderborn-gegen-bayern-2001-dfb-pokal-548013/spielinfo Report]<br/>{{in lang|de}}
|team2 = [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]]
|goals1 = Karpowicz {{goal|89}}
|goals2 = [[Carsten Jancker|Jancker]] {{goal|6}}<br/>[[Roque Santa Cruz|Santa Cruz]] {{goal|23}}<br/>[[Alexander Zickler|Zickler]] {{goal|51||71}}<br/>[[Niko Kovač|N. Kovač]] {{goal|65}}
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 24,000
|referee = Jürgen Aust ([[Cologne]])
}}
====2008-09 DFB Pokal====
{{footballbox collapsible
|bg = 
|date = 9 August 2008
|time = 15:30
|round = 
|team1 = '''[[VfB Fichte Bielefeld]]'''
|score = 1–8
|report = [https://www.kicker.de/vfb-f-bielefeld-gegen-mgladbach-2008-dfb-pokal-865810/ticker Report]<br/>{{in lang|de}}
|team2 = [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]]
|goals1 = Önen {{goal|66}}<br>
|goals2 = [[Marko Marin|Marin]] {{goal|7||11||17|pen.}}<br/>[[Roberto Colautti|Colautti]] {{goal|9||24}}<br/> [[Sascha Rösler|Rösler]] {{goal|19||54}}<br/> [[Roel Brouwers|Brouwers]] {{goal|36}}<br>
|stadium = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 8,100
|referee = Babak Rafiti ([[Hannover]])
}}

===2019-20 Regionalliga Promotion Playoff===
During the [[COVID-19 Pandemic]], an outbreak and subsequent lockdown in [[Gütersloh (district)|Gütersloh]] prohibited [[SC Verl]] from playing the home leg of the [[2019-20 Regionalliga]] promotion playoff at their home ground, the [[Sportclub Arena]].<ref name="Verl Stadionwechsel">{{cite web |title=Aufstieg zur 3. Liga: Rückspiel in Bielefeld statt in Verl⁣ |url=https://www.sportclub-verl.de/Artikel/29830/Rueckspiel-findet-in-der-SchuecoArena-statt |website=SC Verl |access-date=19 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> After a 2:2 draw away to [[1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig|Lok Leipzig]] from the [[Regionalliga Nordost]], Verl drew 1:1 at the Alm and was promoted to the [[3. Liga]] due to the [[away goals rule]].

====Second Leg====
{{Footballbox collapsible
|date       = 30 June 2020
|time       = 16:00
|team1      = [[SC Verl]]
|score      = 1–1
|report     = https://www.dfb.de/regionalliga/aufstiegs-playoffs/?spieledb_path=%2Fmatches%2F2309739
|team2      = '''[[1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig]]'''
|goals1     =
*[[Ron Schallenberg|Schallenberg]] {{goal|73}}
|goals2     =
*[[Julian Stöckner|Stöckner]] {{goal|45|o.g.}}
|stadium    = Bielefelder Alm
|attendance = 0
|referee    = Arne Aarnink ([[Nordhorn]])
}}

==Records==
The highest attendance recorded at the Bielefelder Alm is 36,000 set on 11 November 1978 against [[1. FC Kaiserslautern]].<ref name="Zuschauerrekorde">{{cite web |title=Zuschauerrekorde |url=https://blaue-daten.de/arminia-bielefeld-vermischtes-rekorde-zuschauerrekorde.html |website=Blaue Daten |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The highest seasonal average attendance was 26,550 during the [[1978-79 Bundesliga]], while the lowest recorded average attendance{{efn|Seasonal attendance averages are not available for all seasons until the 1966-67 season.<ref name="Zuschauerschnitt"></ref>}} was 2,320 during the 1990-91 Oberliga Westfalen.<ref name="Zuschauerschnitt">{{cite web |title=Zuschauerschnitt seit 1962 |url=https://blaue-daten.de/arminia-bielefeld-zuschauer-saison.html |website=Blaue Daten |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The since 2004 official SchücoArena name is the third longest running sponsored football ground name in Germany, behind [[BayArena]] and [[Volkswagen Arena]].<ref name="kultige alm">{{cite web |title=SchücoArena: Die kultige Alm von Arminia Bielefeld im Porträt |url=https://sport-90.de/schueco-arena |website=Sport90 |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref>

On 23 March 2024, the Westphalian Cup record attendance of 18,173 was set at the Alm in the semifinal between Arminia and Preußen Münster.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bielefeld besiegt Münster und zieht ins Westfalenpokal-Finale ein |url=https://www1.wdr.de/sport/fussball/westfalenpokal-bielefeld-muenster-bericht-100.html |website=WDR |date=23 March 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> The prior record attendance for the competition of 11,778 was also set at the Alm, between the same two sides in the 2011-12 Westphalian Cup final.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schon jetzt klar - neuer Zuschauer-Rekord im Halbfinale |url=https://www.reviersport.de/pokal/westfalenpokal/a602959---westfalenpokal-schon-jetzt-klar-neuer-zuschauer-rekord-halbfinale.html |website=Revier Sport |access-date=23 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Bielefeld Stb-Oetkerhalle 2011.jpg|250px|thumb|left|alt=Picture of the Rudolf-Oetker-Halle underground station with a Bielefeld Stadtbahn train passing through..|The Rudolf-Oetker-Halle underground station serves the Alm.]]
The stadium is directly served by bus and the [[Bielefeld Stadtbahn]] light rail operated by moBiel, the Bielefeld city public transport agency. Bielefeld Stadtbahn Line 4 stop ''Rudolf-Oetker-Halle'' is nearest the stadium and recommended for individuals seated on the southern and eastern stands. Stop ''Graf-von-Stauffenberg-Straße'' is recommended for those seated on the western and northern stands. Away fans are recommended to use Line 3 stops ''Wittekindstraße'' or ''Nordpark''.<ref name="Anfahrt">{{cite web |title=SCHÜCOARENA - Anfahrt |url=https://www.arminia.de/der-dsc/schueco-arena/anfahrt |publisher=Arminia Bielefeld |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>

The [[Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof|Bielefeld Central Station]] is served by regional and intercity trains of the [[Deutsche Bahn]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bahnhof.de/en/bielefeld-hbf |website=Bahnhof.de |publisher=Deutsche Bahn |access-date=13 March 2024 |title=Bielefeld HBF }}</ref> All Bielefeld light rail lines, including Line 3 and 4, stop underground adjacent to the station. The Jahnplatz, Bielefeld's city center and bus hub with the same name, is also served by all light rail lines. Light rail trips from the Jahnplatz to the stops near the stadium take approximately 4 minutes, whereas trips from the Central Station take approximately 2 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fahrplanauskunft |url=https://www.mobiel.de/fahrplaene/fahrplanauskunft/verbindung-finden/ |website=moBiel |access-date=13 March 2024 |language=German}}</ref> All Bielefeld light rail lines travel via both the Jahnplatz and Central Station stops.

Since the 2016/17 season, all Arminia single match and season tickets are valid public transport tickets throughout the local bus, light rail and limited regional rail services. Ticket holders may travel on public transit without paying an additional fare up to three hours before kickoff until three hours after the end of the match.<ref name="Anfahrt"></ref>

Stadium parking is provided at [[Bielefeld University]]. Bielefeld Stadtbahn line 4 provides transportation from the University to the stadium. 310 monitored bicycle parking spaces are provided adjacent to the south stand at the Schotterplatz.<ref name="Anfahrt"></ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==See also==
*[[List of football stadiums in Germany]]
*[[Lists of stadiums]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.arminia-bielefeld.de/index.php?id=888 Collection of historical staidium photos at the Arminia Bielefeld website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529002100/http://www.arminia-bielefeld.de/index.php?id=888 |date=29 May 2009 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150220063521/http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/germany/nordrhein_westfalen/bielefeld_alm.shtml World Stadium guide to Bielefelder Alm]
*[http://www.fussballtempel.net/uefa/GER/Alm.html Bielefelder Alm at Football Temple]

{{s-start}}
{{Succession box |
title=[[FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup]]<br>Final Venue|
before=[[Estadio Municipal de La Florida|Estadio Bicentenario Municipal]] <br>[[La Florida, Chile|La Florida]]|
after=[[National Olympic Stadium (Tokyo)|National Olympic Stadium]]<br>[[Tokyo]]|
years=[[2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup|2010]]
}}
{{s-end}}

{{Arminia Bielefeld}}
{{3. Liga venues}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bielefelder Alm}}
[[Category:Football venues in Germany]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Bielefeld]]
[[Category:Sports venues in North Rhine-Westphalia]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1926]]
[[Category:Arminia Bielefeld]]