The European Handball Federation (EHF) and German Handball Federation (DHB) are targeting a new world record attendance for a handball game after confirming the host venues for Germany’s staging of the Men’s Euro 2024.
Germany will host the national team tournament for the first time after being awarded the rights back in June 2018. Six venues have been chosen with Düsseldorf, Berlin, Mannheim, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne to welcome Europe’s handball elite from January 10-28, 2024.
For the opening match of the competition in Düsseldorf, the DHB is attempting to break the world record for the number of fans at a handball match. The curtain-raiser will be played inside the city’s Merkur Spiel-Arena, a 50,000-seat stadium normally used to host football matches and concerts.
Among the venues for the preliminary round matches are Berlin (Mercedes-Benz Arena), Mannheim (SAP Arena) and Munich (SAP Garden), while main round matches will head to Cologne and Hamburg (Barclaycard Arena).
The Lanxess Arena in Cologne, arguably Europe’s most well-known arena for men’s handball, will then host the final round where the winners will be crowned. Mark Schober, chairman of the German Handball Federation, said: “We are planning the opening game in a football stadium.
“With 50,000 fans and a successful world record attempt, Düsseldorf should set the framework for a fantastic men’s EHF Euro 2024. All arenas hold more than 10,000 spectators. We want to build a great stage for the participating teams and their fans and for all those interested in handball.”
Martin Hausleitner, EHF general secretary, added: “The Men’s EHF Euro is the undisputed flagship of our national team competitions. It inspires hundreds of thousands in the halls and millions in front of the television screens, and it is the platform for our sponsors and partners.
“The EHF Euro 2024 in Germany has all the prerequisites to set new standards and records in these areas. We are very much looking forward to working with the DHB.”
Arenas at-a-glance
Düsseldorf
Merkur Spiel-Arena. Capacity: 50,000.
Programme: opening match day.
Mannheim
SAP Arena. Capacity: 13,200.
Programme: two preliminary round groups
Munich
SAP Garden. Capacity: 11,500.
Programme: two preliminary round groups
Berlin
Mercedes-Benz Arena. Capacity: 14,800.
Programme: two preliminary round groups with German participation
Hamburg
Barclaycard Arena. Capacity: 13,300.
Programme: main round
Cologne
Lanxess Arena. Capacity: 19,250.
Programme: main round and final weekend
Image: Marco Verch/CC BY 2.0/Edited for size
