1. FC Köln - Season 2026/27

Three hours before kick-off, the area around the stadium is often already turning red and white. From the city centre, tram line 1 brings more and more groups to Müngersdorf, while the number of jersey-clad fans grows along the paths through Cologne’s green belt – on foot and by bike. Depending on your route, you may pass the Stadionbad swimming pool, the cycling stadium or other sports facilities. The RheinEnergieSTADION, home of 1. FC Köln, is located right in the heart of the extensive Sportpark Müngersdorf.

Then there they are: the stadium’s four pylons, each 60 metres high, with a roof suspended between them by steel cables. On the lawns outside, the first sausages are already sizzling long before anyone steps onto the pitch. The great atmosphere is part of every home match.

Season opener: first the cathedral, then the stadium – and later, illuminated pylons

For the first home match of the season, many fans first head to the city centre before making their way to the stadium. For more than ten years, a fan service has been held at Cologne Cathedral before the season opener, featuring the FC anthem played on the cathedral organ.

Around half an hour before kick-off, the pre-match programme begins with songs by Cologne bands such as Höhner, Bläck Fööss, Brings and BAP. Its highlight is the club anthem, “Mer stonn zo dir, FC Kölle”, first performed in 1998 for the club’s 50th anniversary. The teams walk out, scarves are raised and remain aloft until the song picks up tempo – then they begin to swirl. At some matches, the active fan scene also presents a large choreography, especially in the southern stand.

Then the ball starts rolling. Throughout the two 45-minute halves, the entire stadium can be heard playing its part: the noise level rises with every attack, while a narrowly missed shot prompts a collective groan. And when FC score, the pylons at the stadium’s four corners light up in red and white.

1. FC Köln home matches: selling out quickly is the norm

1. FC Köln is one of Germany’s largest football clubs by membership. Several tens of thousands of members are on the waiting list for season tickets. Available tickets therefore sell out quickly – something to bear in mind if you would like to watch a 1. FC Köln home match.

If you do not manage to get a ticket, football fans can still explore the RheinEnergieSTADION on a Stadium Tour, including the players’ tunnel, changing rooms and dugout. If you do have a ticket, the Matchday Tour takes you to the edge of the pitch and behind the scenes on match day itself.

Home matches by other Cologne clubs, including the Kölner Haie, Fortuna Köln and Viktoria Köln, also inspire that special sense of Cologne togetherness.