Strategy laid out.
The Ruhr Area's Oberliga schedule is set, and local teams Wattenscheid 09 and Sprockhövel are set to start their seasons at home. However, Wattenscheid 09 faces a unique challenge due to the Lohrheidestadion's unavailability for the season opener, as it will host the track and field competitions of the World University Games.
The Lohrheidestadion, rebuilt at a cost of over 50 million euros, will also serve as the home ground for Wattenscheid 09, VfL Bochum's women's team, and host various events, including an international football match. The stadium's grass will be replaced after the athletics event, ensuring optimal conditions for the upcoming football season.
Wattenscheid 09 has expressed gratitude to the city of Bochum for the opportunity to move into the newly built Lohrheidestadion. The team has sold over 170 season tickets for the upcoming season and will play at home against Victoria Clarholz in the season opener, instead of the initially preferred away game or free weekend.
The city of Bochum and Wattenscheid 09 have agreed that Wattenscheid 09 will be able to play as many home games as possible in the stadium this year, ideally all 18. Wattenscheid 09 aims to find alternative dates with the city and opponents for such cases to hold as many games as possible in the stadium.
Meanwhile, Erkenschwick will start in Ennepetal, and Sprockhövel hosts SV Lippstadt. The first Oberliga matchday is scheduled for August 10, so Wattenscheid would have preferred to start away.
As for potential solutions to Wattenscheid's scheduling issues, speculation suggests rescheduling matches, seeking alternative venues, negotiating with stadium authorities, upgrading or expanding the stadium facilities, and collaborating with local authorities or leagues to adjust the fixture calendar. However, these remain speculative as no official information regarding these solutions has been confirmed.
As the season approaches, updates on Wattenscheid 09's stadium arrangements and match schedule are expected to be announced. For the latest news, it would be best to consult official club communications or relevant local sports news closer to the event dates.
Wattenscheid 09, despite facing the challenge of the Lohrheidestadion's unavailability for the season opener due to hosting the track and field competitions of the World University Games, will play at home against Victoria Clarholz in the season opener, rather than their initially preferred away game or free weekend, as they have moved into the newly built Lohrheidestadion and aim to play as many home games as possible in the stadium this year, with the ideal being all 18. European leagues may also take notice of this exceptional situation, given that Wattenscheid 09 equally participates in football, along with hosting various events, including an international match, at their state-of-the-art stadium.
