Schalke Arena houses Germany’s oldest football chapel

The Schalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen houses Germany’s oldest football chapel within a Bundesliga stadium. Located in the second basement level near the players' changing rooms and the mixed zone, the chapel has been active since 2001.

Past visitors include players such as Edin Džeko and Kevin Kurányi, as well as figures like Ulli Hoeneß and Rainer Bonhof. The chapel is managed by Protestant pastor Ernst-Martin Barth and Catholic colleague Markus Nowag.

Pastor Barth, a long-time Schalke supporter, notes that while football is a profound emotion for many, he cautions against viewing prayer as a mechanical way to guarantee match results. He describes the chapel as a place of quiet reflection amidst the intense atmosphere of the stadium.