Alte Försterei stadium

“Who always plays at full-bore? Who is happy to bump up the score? Who lets the ball flow and makes the opponent run? Who won’t let the west spoil its fun?” Do you know the answer?

It’s the 1. FC Union Berlin football club, better known as “Eisern Union”. The vibrant spirit that remains a part of this traditional club is just as special as the hymn that Nina Hagen once sang in its honour. 1. FC Union Berlin plays football with heart, and this is most evident when you take a look at their stadium. Even its name implies that it’s by no means modern. It’s called the “Alte Försterei” and it has the charm of a 90 year old lady. Make that a 90 year old lady with a great shot, no less. Built in 1920, the stadium was finally just recently given a general overhaul. This restoration process was an event unlike anything Europe has ever seen: the club and its fans worked on it together; more than 2,000 volunteer workers put in 140,000 hours of their time to complete the project. The stadium is now covered and has room for 19,000 spectators. Around 16,500 of these available spaces are for standing room only, and that’s just the way the club’s fans wanted it. It’s a major symbol of solidarity that comes back to the club being all about heart. If you want to experience it, you have to come to the Alte Försterei.