MSV Duisburg is one of Germany’s oldest clubs. It was founded in 1902 as Meidericher Spielverein (Meiderich became past of Duisburg in 1905) and took took on its current name in 1967.
Duisburg was a member of the original professional Bundesliga founded in 1963 – and indeed came second in its first season. From then to now it has gone up and down between the divisions. Although the club managed eight seasons in the Bundeliga, it currently plays in the third division.
Despite recent difficulties the club has held onto a strong fan base and average attendance is over 12,000.
Stadium
The snappily named “Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena” opened in 2004 with a capacity of 30,000.
Tickets
Games are rarely sold out, so you can usually get tickets on the day.
You can also order tickets in advance from the online shop and then use the Print@home facility to print them before you set off. Standing tickets cost 11 euros and seats from 15 euros. The online shop is unfortunately only in German, but it’s easy enough to work out.
Directions
From Düsseldorf all you need to do is catch the S1 train towards Dortmund, getting out at a stop called DU Schenk Bf – or the U79 towards Duisburg, getting out at a stop called Grunewald. And then do the last ten minutes on foot.
Your ticket entitles you to free travel on public transport (except intercity trains) to and from the game.
Website
https://www.msv-duisburg.de/
Five things to do in Duisburg
1. Visit the Innenhafen
This was once the bi
ggest inland harbour in the world and the central trading point for Duisburg. As a result of industrial and economic change it fell into disuse in the mid sixties and for a time was derelict and abandoned. Imaginative renovation based on designs by British architect Norman Foster, has transformed the area into one of the city’s key attractions. There is a marina, an arts museum, a synagogue and a Jewish community centre, and a large collection of restaurants and bars. The huge contribution made by the Innenhafen to the region’s industrial past is not forgotten. It is a key destination of the Ruhrgebiet’s Industrial Heritage Route, which takes visitors by car or bicycle on a tour of former industrial sites. There are information boards at every turn which explain different aspects of the harbour.
2. Go shopping
If you go straight ahead when you leave Duisburg station you will find yourself in Königstraße. You will pass several department stores as well as three shopping malls – CityPalais, Forum and Königsgalerie.
3. Go to the zoo
Duisburgers are proud of their zoo. People come from all over to visit the dolphinarium. The zoo is open from 9.00 to 5.30 in summer and from 9.00 to 4.00 in winter and it will cost you 15.90 (9.40 for children) to get in.
4. Spend some time in the Salvatorkirche
This beautiful church is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year. It was almost entirely destroyed by fire after a bombing raid in 1943 and then was entirely rebuilt after the war. A short video on the church’s website will give you an idea of what to expect.
5. Go to the Landschaftpark
The site of the former Thyssen steelworks has been converted into a massive industrial monument where former industrial buildings have been imaginatively repurposed.
- The gasometer is used for sub-aqua.
- The top of the blast furnace has been converted into a viewing platform.
- The casting house is now a cinema and the power plant is a venue for large-scale events.
- The administration building is now a Youth Hostel and the store house contains an exhibition on the history of iron.
- Other buildings have been converted into bars and restaurants.
- The grounds have been converted into a beautiful park where people go for exercise or picnics.
At night there is a superb light display which can be seen for miles around.
If you want more ideas visit the Ruhr.Visitorcentre in the CityPalais on Königstraße or the Duisburg section of the Ruhr Tourism website.
Where to stay in Duisburg
Duisburg is about the same size as Manchester and so there is no shortage of hotels. Here are three that are reasonably priced and not too far from the football.
Local brew : König Pils
Nickname : the zebras
Colours : blue and white
Major honours and trophies :
- Championship runners up : 1964
- German Cup finalists : 1966, 1975, 1998, 2011
