A man raises a rectangular piece of yellow card above his head. Everyone around him is doing exactly the same. He looks up and around and sees a sea of yellow, unaware of what is being revealed on the other side. But he can hear the deafening roar of the fans, so he cheers along, knowing his heroes have just entered the field of battle.
On the other side, TV cameras capture the coordinated chaos. The lens zooms out, revealing a stand with darkened edges but two bright yellow circles in the middle, like giant eyes peering onto the pitch. As the players walk onto the field, a huge yellow hat begins to rise in front of those circles. More dark spaces begin to appear, gradually forming a silhouette. Suddenly, it becomes clear ... binoculars, then a grinning mouth, and finally, a Champions League trophy in the background.
It’s a masterpiece of fan choreography—a Tifo display organized by Borussia Dortmund’s legendary supporters. The image in the stand resembles none other than Jürgen Klopp, their former manager, peering through binoculars. A banner below completes the message: “Auf den Spuren des verlorenen Henkelpotts”. ... "In search of the lost Champions League trophy."
The display was meant to inspire Dortmund’s players and intimidate their opponents, Málaga, in a crucial Champions League quarter-final. And it worked. Dortmund staged one of their most legendary nights, scoring two last-minute goals to win 3-2 and progress to the semi-finals. They would go on to reach the 2013 Champions League final, only to suffer heartbreak at Wembley against rivals Bayern Munich. But moments like this are why Signal Iduna Park is more than just a stadium, it’s a fortress.
History of Signal Iduna Park
Originally opened in 1974 as Westfalenstadion, the stadium was built to host matches for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. It quickly became the home of Borussia Dortmund, and over the decades, it has undergone multiple expansions to become Germany’s largest football stadium. In 2005, a sponsorship agreement led to its renaming as Signal Iduna Park, but for Dortmund fans, it will always be Westfalenstadion at heart.
With a capacity of over 81,000, Signal Iduna Park is among Europe’s most iconic venues. Its design perfectly balances modern facilities with tradition, ensuring it remains one of the world’s most revered footballing arenas.
The Famous Yellow Wall
No discussion of Signal Iduna Park is complete without mentioning the Südtribüne, or “Yellow Wall.”
Holding nearly 25,000 standing fans, the Yellow Wall is the largest standing terrace in European football. On matchdays, it transforms into a sea of black and yellow, an intimidating spectacle.
In fact, Tottenham Hotspur’s new South Stand at their stadium in London was inspired by Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, a testament to its legendary status.
Big Matches & Legendary Players
Signal Iduna Park has hosted some of football’s biggest events, including matches in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and countless UEFA Champions League nights. Over the years, it has been home to footballing greats, including:
-
Robert Lewandowski – A star striker who tormented defenses before moving to Bayern Munich.
-
Karl-Heinz Riedle – Key player in Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League triumph.
-
Marco Reus – The modern-day club captain and a true Dortmund icon.
-
Jens Lehmann – The legendary goalkeeper.
-
Jude Bellingham – The young English sensation who lit up the stadium before heading to Real Madrid.
Visiting Signal Iduna Park
Even if you can’t attend a match, Signal Iduna Park offers stadium tours, allowing fans to go behind the scenes of this legendary venue. Visitors can explore the players' tunnel, step onto the pitch, and even stand in front of the Yellow Wall to experience what it feels like from the players’ perspective.
For those wanting even more, Borussia Dortmund’s FanWelt (Fan World) is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits, club history, and exclusive merchandise.
If you’re a football fan, Signal Iduna Park isn’t just a stadium, it’s a pilgrimage.