Stadium regulations Volkswagen Arena

Section 1 – Area of application / purpose

1. The stadium regulations serve to ensure the proper usage of, and safety and orderliness in, the Volkswagen Arena and its connected outer facilities, including the safety ring.

2. On the enclosed location map, which is an integral part of these stadium regulations, the area of application is indicated by a continuous red line.

3. Visitors to the Volkswagen Arena acknowledge these stadium regulations as binding with the purchase of an admission ticket, and affirm this at the latest by entering the Volkswagen Arena. These stadium regulations apply to all events that take place in the Volkswagen Arena.

Section 2 – Dedicated use

1. The primary function of the Volkswagen Arena is to hold football matches. Other sports and non-sports events can also take place here.

2. The general public has no claim or entitlement to use of the Volkswagen Arena or any of its individual facilities.

3. In case of third-party use of the Volkswagen Arena, the pertinent contracts are to be concluded in compliance with German civil law.

Section 3 – Control over access to premises

1. Representatives and agents of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH have the legal right of control over access to the premises, as do the police and the security forces (SOD) in service during events. They are entitled to issue binding instructions to visitors in accordance with these stadium regulations.

Section 4 – Stay of visit

1. Only persons bearing a valid admission ticket or other proof of admission entitlement, or who can prove their admission entitlement for the respective event with some other form of authorisation identification, may enter the Volkswagen Arena and its connected outer facilities and are authorised for a stay of visit.

2. When visiting a football match, a maximum of two adults in conjunction with at least one child are allowed to enter and stay in the area of the “Wölfikurve”. An exception to this rule applies to pensioners and elderly people in this area. They may also stay in this area when not accompanied by children.

3. Children under the age of 14 are only permitted to enter the Volkswagen Arena accompanied by a responsible adult.

4. Each spectator must occupy the seat in the stadium that is indicated on their ticket or for which their ticket is valid. However, they may be required, if so ordered by the organiser, the SOD or the police, to move to another seat if this is necessary for an important reason (e.g. safety considerations), in which case they shall not be entitled to compensation. This applies especially to supporters of visiting clubs who, even though they bear a valid ticket, will not be admitted to Areas marked as home fan section (Heimfanbereich). Since the organiser is obliged to separate home and visiting fans for safety reasons the SOD is instructed to refuse admission to the stadium to visiting fans who have purchased tickets for the home fan section.

5. Upon leaving the Volkswagen Arena, the ticket loses its validity; this also applies to the season tickets with regard to admission on that specific match day.

6. In justified exceptional cases, visitors can be required, upon request by the SOD or police, to verify their identify by providing an official identity document.

7. The latest edition of the rules and regulations stated by VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH applies to visits to the Volkswagen Arena on event-free days.

8. Within the jurisdiction of the stadium regulations, attendance in the stadium is prohibited to persons who are clearly heavily intoxicated, carrying dangerous or prohibited items pursuant to Section 7 of the stadium regulations or who intend to compromise safety.

9. To ensure and optimise safety in the stadium for all visitors, the Volkswagen Arena and some sections of the surrounding area (max. 500 metres) are permanently monitored by video cameras, in accordance with Art. 6(1)(1)(f) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in conjunction with Section 4 German Data Protection Act (BDSG). The recordings are stored securely, serve as evidence in the event of a criminal offences or a breach of the law and are provided to law enforcement and other relevant authorities. Unless any relevant activity occurs, the video recordings are erased automatically in accordance with the data protection legislation in effect in the Federal Republic of Germany. On match days and/or event days, the regulatory authorities and law enforcement also use video surveillance systems under their own responsibility to avert risk and investigate crimes in accordance with the statutory provisions applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany. The video recordings made on match days and/or event days are treated confidentially by all the authorities involved, but may be used as evidence if a criminal offence (whether a misdemeanour or a more serious offence) is committed or suspected. If nothing untoward takes place during the event, the video recordings are erased automatically in accordance with the data protection legislation in effect in the Federal Republic of Germany. Video and audio recordings made in accordance with Section 4 Subsection 10 may also be sent to courts and public authorities for law enforcement purposes.

10. During an event, images (e.g. photographs, live streams, broadcasts, and/or other visual and/or audio recordings) are made by VfL Wolfsburg and accredited third parties (e.g. journalists and freelance photographers) in order to document the event (e.g. press commentary, reporting, club history), for commercial use (e.g. image films for social media channels, flyers, posters, fan merchandise catalogues and for use in the VfL Wolfsburg sustainability report), and on the basis of a balance of interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). These purposes are in our legitimate interest. You are referred to your right to object defined in Art. 21 GDPR.

11. Visiting the Volkswagen Arena for purposes of media reporting on the event (television, radio, internet, print, photo) is permissible only with the prior consent of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH and in the areas specially designated for media representatives. Ticket holders are therefore prohibited from making audio, photographic or video recordings, or communicating descriptions or results of the match, without the prior consent of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH, unless this is done solely for personal, non-commercial purposes. Under no circumstances may audio, photographic or video recordings be publicly disseminated, nor may support be provided to other persons engaged in such activities, without the prior consent of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH. This includes dissemination via the internet or by mobile phone. The media guidelines of the Deutsche Fußball-Liga GmbH (German Football Association; DFL) and the respective regulations of other pertinent football associations (e.g. DFB, UEFA, FIFA) also apply to the activities of media representatives within the scope of a football event.

Section 5 – Entry checks / checks by the SOD

1. Upon entering the Volkswagen Arena facilities and at control points within the arena, each visitor is obliged to voluntarily show his or her ticket or other authorisation pass to the SOD, and to hand it over for closer scrutiny upon request. This obligation also applies to requests by the police.

2. For discounted tickets (e.g. in the case of pensioners, students), proof of the discount justification (e.g. pensioner or student ID card) must be voluntarily presented to the SOD at access control points to the Volkswagen Arena. If proof of entitlement to the discount cannot be presented, the difference between the reduced and the regular admission price must be paid. Otherwise, the SOD is authorised to deny access to the ticket holder.

3. The SOD is entitled to search persons and the items they are carrying – this includes the use of technical equipment – to ascertain whether they pose a security risk due to alcohol or drug consumption, or because they are carrying weapons, pyrotechnical or other dangerous items.

4. Persons who are unable to provide proof of authorised entry or pose a safety risk as per Section 5 Subsection 3 shall be denied admission and prevented from entering the Volkswagen Arena, or expelled from the area of jurisdiction of the stadium regulations.

5. The same applies to persons against whom a nationwide stadium entry ban, or a stadium-specific entry ban, is in effect, and for visitors who refuse to allow a security check pursuant to Section 5 Subsection 3.

6. The SOD is entitled to verify the identity of visitors by checking their government-issued identity documents (e.g. identity card, passport, etc.). Those who refuse to consent to search or identity verification at a visitor security control check can be refused entry to the Volkswagen Arena.

7. Rejected visitors are not entitled to a refund of the admission fee.

8. VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH stands for an open-minded, tolerant football culture and condemns xenophobic, racist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, sexist, ableistic violent, antisemitic, left-wing and right-wing extremist behaviour, as well as other discriminatory radical views and political ideologies. Consequently, persons whose outward appearance gives the impression that they embrace such behaviours, views or political associations can be excluded from attending all events. The outward appearance includes in particular group-typical clothing with themed graphic characters on which various number or letter combinations signify the views of the wearer, or certain clothing brands that serve to identify such an attitude (e.g. Thor Steinar, Consdaple, Yakuza). Furthermore, people who exhibit such behaviour, attitudes or political ideology by means of flags, patches, propaganda material, calls or statements can be excluded from all events.

Section 6 – Behaviour in the area of jurisdiction of the stadium regulations

1. Within the area of jurisdiction, each visitor must behave in such a way that no other person is harmed, endangered, or hindered or harassed to a greater extent than is unavoidable under the circumstances.

2. All visitors must unreservedly obey the instructions of the event organiser, the SOD, the police, fire brigade, rescue services and the stadium spokesperson.

3. For safety reasons and to avert risk, visitors are obliged to obey instructions issued by authorities mentioned in Section 6 Subsection 2 to take seats other than those printed on their tickets (including in other areas) or to leave the stadium and the adjacent outdoor facilities.

4. All entrances and exits, as well as escape and rescue routes, are to be kept free for their intended purpose without restriction.
Notwithstanding these stadium regulations, authorities mentioned in Section 6 Subsection 2 may issue further instructions as necessary in specific cases to avert or remove danger to life, limb or property. Orders issued pursuant to this purpose must be obeyed.

Section 7 – Prohibitions

1. It is forbidden for guest fans to be or stay in areas designated as home fan areas. The home fan areas are blocks A and F, 01-15 and 37-43 in the lower tier of the arena and blocks 02-16, 38-44 and 56-64 in the upper tier of the arena. VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH reserves the right to make regulations for individual games that deviate from the procedure mentioned. The SOD has been instructed and is authorised to expel spectators who are recognizably fans of a guest team or who indicate this through their behaviour, even if they have a valid ticket for this area. If the Arena is sold out, the spectators in question will be expelled from the stadium, or admission to the stadium will be denied. The wearing or display of fan items or gear of the guest club is strictly prohibited in the VfL fan area.

2. The south-east area of the Volkswagen Arena (lower tier blocks 29, 33 and 35) is designated specifically as the fan viewing area for the guest club. A variable expansion of the guest fan viewing area in the upper tier (blocks 30 – 36) is possible, depending on the needs of the guest club. It is forbidden for any fan of the host team to stay or loiter in these areas. The SOD has been instructed and is authorised to expel spectators who are recognizably fans of a guest team or who indicate this through their behaviour, even if they have a valid ticket for this area. If the Arena is sold out, the spectators in question will be expelled from the stadium, or access to the stadium will be denied. The wearing or display of fan items or gear of the home club is strictly prohibited in the visiting fan area.

3. Provoking other spectators to express hatred or violence toward referees, players or other persons is forbidden.

4. It is strictly forbidden for visitors to carry, keep available, or leave the following items in the Volkswagen Arena:

• a. Racist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, sexist, ableistic or extreme right-wing propaganda material;
• b. Advertising or commercial items, as well as political or religious items of all kinds, such as banners, signs, flyers or the like, without the express prior permission of the organiser;
• c. Weapons or dangerous objects of all kinds that could possibly cause or lead to injury;
• d. Objects that could be used as weapons or projectiles;
• e. Laser pointers;
• f. Aerosol spray cans (e.g. deodorant spray, hairspray, pepper spray); solid, liquid or gaseous substances or objects that are corrosive, easily flammable, leave stains or are injurious to health (exception: urgently required medicines);
• g. Bottles, cups, beer mugs, cans or other containers made of fragile, splintering or particularly hard material;
• h. Food and drink of any kind, especially alcoholic drinks. The only drinks that can be taken into the stadium are up to 0.5 litres of non-alcoholic drinks in soft packaging (e.g. “Tetra Pak”) for children up to 10 years of age;
• i. Bulky items such as ladders, stools, chairs, boxes, suitcases;
• j. Torches, fireworks, flares, Bengal flares, distress flares and other pyrotechnic items, sparklers;
• k. Flag or banner poles that are longer than 1.5 metres or whose diameter is larger than 3 cm;
• l. Alcoholic beverages of any kind;
• m. Any kind of drug;
• n. Noise-making instruments and launchers which are mechanically or pneumatically driven (VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH reserves the right to make exceptions);
• o. All moving image cameras (e.g. video cameras), all photographic cameras with interchangeable lenses (e.g. single-lens reflex (SLR) or system cameras), as well as medium or large-format cameras;
• p. Large umbrellas with a spike.

5. In order to ensure safety and keep escape and rescue routes clear, the conveying of medically necessary walking aids is only allowed in areas with seats and/or specially designated areas. The SOD is entitled to assign an appropriate location to a visitor using a walking aid, in accordance with Section 6 Subsection 3.

6. In addition, visitors are prohibited from the following:

• a. Communicating racist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, sexist, ableistic or radical right-wing statements, and committing extreme acts of any kind
• b. Accessing or climbing over buildings, facilities and fixtures – in particular facades, fences, walls, playing field enclosures, barriers, lighting structures, camera stands, trees, planted areas, roofs and towers of any kind – which are not intended for general use
• c. Entering areas where visitors are not permitted (e.g. the playing field, the inner area, function-specific rooms) without the consent of the event organiser or the police
• d. Throwing objects or liquids of any type, in particular onto the playing field or visitor areas
• e. Making fires, or bringing in, igniting or launching other pyrotechnic items, such as fireworks, signal ammunition, magnesium torches, smoke bombs, Bengal fire, etc.
• f. Enabling the preparation and execution of forbidden acts described in Section 7 Subsection 6e (e.g. by concealing them with two-pole banners or flags);
• g. Disguising themselves;
• h. Painting, marking or gluing equipment, facilities, buildings, or pathways;
• i. Entering the grounds of the Volkswagen Arena with vehicles, selling tickets and goods, selling or distributing printed material, brochures, etc. or collecting money, items or signatures without the permission of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH;
• j. Urinating or defecating outside the designated toilets, or soiling the grounds of the Volkswagen Arena in any other manner, particularly by throwing away items;
• k. Bringing along pets

7. Building, setting up, installing or storing objects, in particular setting up tents and caravans, as well as staying overnight within the area of jurisdiction of these stadium regulations, are not permitted at any time. Exceptions to these provisions are the prerogative of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH.

8. Throwing objects of any type, in particular onto the playing field or visitor areas

Section 8 – Prohibition of alcohol / beverage dispensing

The sale and serving of alcoholic beverages within the area of jurisdiction of these stadium regulations is strictly prohibited. Exceptions are governed by VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH, in consultation with the responsible safety and security authorities.

Section 9 – Stadium WiFi

WiFi access is provided (through “hotspots”) free of charge in the arena. This is a voluntary service offered by VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH that can be restricted or discontinued at any time. Visitors therefore have no right to demand access to the hotspot, to be able to use certain services over the hotspot, or to enjoy unlimited, disturbance-free and uninterrupted access to the internet. A prerequisite for use of the hotspot is personal registration and approval of the terms and conditions of use and of the privacy policy, which can be viewed during the hotspot login process.

Section 10 – Liability

1. Visitors enter and use the Volkswagen Arena at their own risk.
2. Accidents or damage must be reported immediately to VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH. VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH, its legal representatives and/or vicarious agents shall only be liable for damages, regardless of the legal basis, in the event of intent or gross negligence or – in this case limited to the damage foreseeable at the time of entering into the contract and typical for this type of contract – in the event of a breach of material contractual obligations.
3. VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH is not liable for personal injury or property damage caused by third parties.

Section 11 – Violations

1. Whoever violates the provisions of this usage regulation can, without prejudice to the other rights of the VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH, be expelled from the Volkswagen Arena without compensation and without a refund of the admission fee. This applies also to persons who are intoxicated or under the influence of other mind-altering substances that impair functional ability.

2. A stadium ban can be imposed against persons who, through their behaviour inside or outside of the Volkswagen Arena in conjunction with a football match, hinder or endanger the safety and orderly conduct of the event. This entry ban may be limited to the arena itself or, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the DFB, be expanded to be effective nationwide.
Stadium bans can also be issued by the police or SOD against groups of persons if violations cannot be specifically attributed to individuals, but behaviour can be attributed to members of the group as a whole.

3. If there is suspicion that persons have committed a criminal offence or a misdemeanour, charges can be filed.

4. If the organiser is enjoined to redress claims for damages and/or pay fines stemming from a third party due to prohibited and/or disorderly conduct, the organiser shall seek recourse by asserting these claims against the perpetrator. The same applies to property damage for which the perpetrator is liable. If multiple parties are responsible, these are jointly liable within the meaning of Section 421 German Civil Code (BGB).

5. Prohibited items that are carried or conveyed will be confiscated and, insofar as they are not required for a criminal investigation, shall be returned upon request following cessation of the premise for their confiscation or, beyond a period of four weeks after the event, destroyed at the expense of the visitor. VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH and/or the organiser will not be held liable for any loss or damage of confiscated items. Excepted from return are items that have been confiscated in accordance with Section 7 Subsection (3) (a, c, i and l).
6. The rights of VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH as the owner of property rights remain unaffected.

Wolfsburg, January 2023

VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH
Management Board

Signed                      Signed                         Signed
Michael Meeske        Marcel Schäfer           Dr T. Schumacher

Download: Stadium-regulation-Volkswagen-Arena-2023