Stadium Grüne Au | Capacity & Renovation 2025–2027

The Stadium Grüne Au is one of the most characterful football venues in Northern Bavaria and the home ground of SpVgg Bayern Hof. Located on the eastern edge of the city, in the Fabrikvorstadt district, the facility is situated at Oelsnitzer Straße 101 and has a total capacity of 8,100 spectators. Since 1980, the Grüne Au has been owned by the city of Hof, which maintains this traditional site and is now preparing it for the future with a comprehensive renovation. As a pure football stadium without a running track and featuring natural grass, the venue offers immediate proximity to the pitch, short distances, and a distinctive retro charm with two prominent covered seating stands and surrounding standing areas on earth embankments. Its historical roots date back to 1913 when the then FC Bayern Hof leased the site; it became club property in 1930. In the 1960s, the stadium experienced its heyday, documented by attendance records of up to 19,100 visitors. Today, the Grüne Au combines traditional stadium culture with a planned modernization boost – a place for genuine football atmosphere that is also anchored as an urban sports center and social meeting point in Hof.

Capacity, Seating and Standing Areas at the Municipal Stadium Grüne Au

With 8,100 seats, the Grüne Au is the largest stadium in the city of Hof. The capacity is traditionally divided into two worlds: on one side, the seating areas for approximately 2,135 spectators, and on the other side, the pronounced standing areas with about 5,965 places. The seating area consists of two stands that shape the architectural character of the venue. The "New Stand" on the main side offers around 800 covered seats and visually extends over the standing areas in front of it. Opposite is the historic wooden stand with approximately 1,335 bench seats, also covered. This configuration is a hallmark of the stadium: two distinct, characterful seating areas flanked by surrounding standing terraces built on earth embankments. This creates a compact, football-typical topography with short distances and a closed spatial impression that enhances acoustics. The pitch itself measures about 105 by 68 meters and is covered with natural grass. There is no athletics track; the Grüne Au is inherently a pure football stadium. For event planners and teams, this means: clearly defined sightlines, immediate fan proximity, and an infrastructure designed entirely for football. For spectators, the choice of seating offers two experience variants: puristically authentic on the wooden stand with its traditional benches or with classic stand comfort on the "New Stand." Those who prefer standing areas will find generous terraces around the pitch that, especially during lively phases of the game, make the close connection between team and audience palpable. Overall, the capacity structure of the Grüne Au is both manageable and effective: enough seats for vibrant atmospheres – and at the same time precisely those dimensions that create closeness, overview, and atmosphere.

Renovation and Refurbishment 2025–2027: Focus on the Wooden Stand and Operational Building

The city of Hof has initiated comprehensive modernization steps for the Grüne Au, supported by significant federal funding. The core of the package is the energy refurbishment and a partial replacement of the operational building. For this project, the city received a funding commitment of up to approximately 4.621 million euros from the program "Renovation of municipal facilities in the areas of sports, youth, and culture." Additionally, the Oberfranken Foundation supports the project with further funds. As a result, the city's own contribution will noticeably decrease, ensuring the swift progress of the project. Concurrently, the listed wooden stand will be restored: Planned works include the refurbishment of the wooden façade and load-bearing structure, the restoration of the wooden floor, and the renewal or refurbishment of the benches. It is also planned to install a concrete step structure in the lower bench area to prevent washouts from rainwater – a pragmatic step that preserves the historical appearance and improves durability. The estimated costs for the wooden stand amount to a six-figure sum according to city officials. The city's timeline indicates the commissioning of the execution planning and the start of construction for 2025, with completion and inauguration of the building planned for 2027. The goal is to strengthen the stadium as an inclusive, barrier-free, and energy-efficient place for sports – both in everyday life and on match days with increased visitor numbers. At the same time, the defining identity will be preserved: the historic wooden stand is listed as a monument and will be restored in accordance with monument preservation guidelines. For the club, youth work, and school sports, this investment package means a significant enhancement of the conditions. The renovation thus addresses not only functional aspects but also serves as a statement for the future viability of a traditional site. The result should be a Grüne Au that retains the charm of its developed structure while meeting contemporary standards in technology, energy, and visitor comfort – a successful bridge between past and future.

Directions, Address, and Orientation: How to Reach the Grüne Au

The official address for navigation systems is Oelsnitzer Straße 101, 95028 Hof. Those arriving by car typically use the A9 motorway from both the north and south and take the Hof-West exit (34), after which the federal road B15 leads directly towards the city area of Hof. From there, Oelsnitzer Straße in the east of the city is well signposted. The main entrance to the stadium is located on Oelsnitzer Straße; this is also where the ticket area is located, which is open during matches. In practice, the approach via B15 and orientation along the main city axes has proven effective for visiting teams and spectators. On-site, it is advisable to arrive early and pay attention to the instructions of the stewards. Depending on the event and time of day, the parking situation may vary; therefore, follow the signs to designated parking options near the stadium and keep fire access routes and emergency paths clear. The facility itself is compact: Along the main straight, there is the operational building with changing rooms and the "New Stand." On the opposite side stands the wooden stand. Surrounding standing terraces provide access to the other sides of the stadium. Since the Grüne Au is a pure football stadium without a running track, the paths from the entrance to the pitch are short; orientation is easy thanks to the clear structure. For public transport, it is advisable to check current connections and any construction detours on the day of travel. Visitors with mobility impairments should keep an eye on the official information from the city and the club regarding accessibility during the renovation measures, as the modernization of the operational building will also include improvements in accessibility by 2027. Overall, the Grüne Au is well accessible by traffic, with its location on the eastern edge of Hof providing clear access routes and quick connections to important thoroughfares.

Images and Photo Points: Wooden Stand, New Stand, and Standing Areas in Detail

Those visiting the Grüne Au for the first time will quickly notice the clear, photogenic geometry of the stadium. The historic wooden stand with its wooden benches is a classic motif that captures the tradition and patina of the place. Photographically interesting, the stand can be viewed both from the front on the opposite side and at an angle from the corners, as here the wooden structure, the supports, and the lines come into their own. The "New Stand" on the main side serves as a modern counterbalance. Its roof towers over the standing areas in front, allowing for interesting perspectives in the side view, especially when the stand roofs contrast with the green of the grass. On the standing terraces, which are executed as earth embankments, panoramic shots can be taken that emphasize the compact form and proximity to the pitch. For detail enthusiasts, close-ups of the railings, steps, and rows of benches are worthwhile, telling the tangible, analog nature of this football venue. Extensive photo galleries showcase exactly these motifs: stand profiles, entrance areas, the facility's sign, and sightlines to the pitch. Renowned portals present images from various years, including shots taken directly from the interior, from the edge of the pitch, and from the stands. These collections also document changes over time – useful for visually comparing the progress of the upcoming renovation later on. Those who take photos themselves will find the best viewpoints around the corners to create perspective and depth; from the opposite side, the view of the wooden stand in its entirety is worthwhile, while from the main straight, the player benches and the operational building come into the frame. In the twilight, atmospheric shots are created when stadium lights and sky interact; during the day, images benefit from the rich green of the grass and the warm wooden tones of the historic stand. Thus, a visual narrative emerges that radiates exactly what the Grüne Au stands for: authenticity, proximity, and developed identity.

Municipal Stadium Grüne Au: History, Ownership, and Special Features

The history of the Grüne Au begins in 1913 when the then FC Bayern Hof leased the area; it became club property in 1930. In the post-war years, expansion phases followed that shape the current character: In 1949, a 72-meter-long, covered wooden stand with bench seating was built on the north side. The stadium was further expanded in 1959, and in 1969, the "New Stand" was added on the south side, which for a long time was without a roof and now functions as a modern, covered seating stand. Since 1980, the facility has belonged to the city of Hof. The Grüne Au is a pure football stadium – no running track, no multifunctional curves – which directly impacts the atmosphere: spectators are close to the action, and the stands form a tight, open embrace around the pitch. This has shaped the backdrop for decades, as have the great games of the 1960s. The official attendance record dates from May 22, 1968: 19,100 visitors witnessed the Bundesliga promotion playoff match of FC Bayern Hof against Rot-Weiss Essen. Already in 1961, 18,300 spectators flocked to the Grüne Au to see the match against 1. FC Nürnberg – figures that document the significance of the stadium during its peak phase. Today, SpVgg Bayern Hof plays in leagues below the professional leagues but uses the stadium intensively – including for youth and school sports. Defining features include the natural grass (105×68 m), the clear standing embankments, and the two distinct seating stands. Notably, the location on the eastern edge of the city in the Fabrikvorstadt district facilitates access via B15 from the A9. As a municipal stadium, the Grüne Au allows for flexible use without diluting its character: football is the focus, flanked by functions of the operational building, which will be energetically upgraded as part of the renovation. In this way, the city of Hof is making a statement for the preservation of an identity-forming sports venue that does not impress with standard architecture but with its developed peculiarities – from the wooden stand to the compact, fan-friendly facility.

Reviews, Experience Value, and Awards: Why the Grüne Au Enthralls

The Grüne Au is a favorite place for many football fans because it offers an atmosphere that is often lost in modern arenas. The combination of proximity to the pitch, standing areas, and wooden stand architecture creates a special intensity. This experience is also reflected in its regional perception: specialized media regularly commend the venue for its authenticity. In 2025, the Grüne Au was featured in a highly regarded ranking in a leading football magazine among particularly atmospheric stadiums – an indication of how much purism and identity resonate. Visitors highlight in testimonials the tradition, the archaic beauty of the wooden stand, and the down-to-earth character; at the same time, the manageability is praised, as the distances are short and the view of the game is practically good from everywhere. This immediate experience fits the use by SpVgg Bayern Hof, whose home games regularly bring the stadium to life. For day visitors, the stands offer two perspectives: the "New Stand" with covered individual seats and excellent visibility, and the wooden stand with benches that intentionally appears a bit rougher, conveying a historic flair. The planned renovation aims to intelligently complement this DNA rather than smooth it out: energetically modernized infrastructure, monument-compliant care of the wooden stand, better accessibility – without losing character. This creates a vision for the future that combines tradition and comfort. Those seeking photo motifs will find plenty: from the front view of the wooden stand to perspectives along the main straight to wide shots from the standing areas. Locally historically anchored, well accessible in urban planning, and committed to football, the Grüne Au stands for credible stadium culture – a profile that radiates beyond Hof.

Sources:

• Stadium Grüne Au – Wikipedia (de)
• City of Hof receives federal funding for Grüne Au – Stadt Hof
• Renovation of the Wooden Stand at Stadium "Grüne Au" – Stadt Hof
• SpVgg Bayern Hof – Stadium Grüne Au – Transfermarkt
• Municipal Stadium Grüne Au – Europlan Online
• Stadium Grüne Au – Stadionwelt Photo Gallery
• Stadium Grüne Au – Wikipedia (en)
• Frankenpost – Stadium Ranking: The Grüne Au – one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world (10.10.2025)