The technologies were already in existence well before the Arena AufSchalke was built, but it was Schalke's new home, in 2001, that finally brought them all together in a single construction project. With its retractable pitch, closable roof, movable South Stand and centre-hung videocube, the Arena is like no other football temple anywhere in the world. "There's never been a stadium like this before", was the logical conclusion drawn by FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.

Even on days when no football is being played and no other events are being staged, the Arena still attracts plenty of attention. Much of it focuses on the luscious green pitch, which thanks to its mobile home is parked in front of the Arena. A situation the club used to solve two problems at the same time. For one thing, the technology makes it possible to stage concerts in the Arena without damaging the turf. For another, it means the grass is exposed to all the weather conditions it needs to grow. With all the extra items of equipment in position, the 11,000 tonne mobile field can be moved from its concrete parking space into the Arena in just five hours.

The closable roof is especially useful for events beyond the realm of football. Weighing 560 tonnes, it guarantees total independence from the weather and can be opened or closed in less than 30 minutes. Whatever the case, spectators always sit or stand in the dry, as the roof opening is situated exactly above the playing area.

In the stadium itself the videocube serves as the most important source of information. The 32 tonne structure hangs from the Arena roof directly above the centre-spot and consists of four giant, 35 m² screens. At football matches fans enjoy stadium entertainment in sound and pictures of optimum quality, while at concerts the videocube is used to complement the vidiwalls belonging to the artists.

The movable South Stand also serves two purposes. At football matches it is home to the fans of the Royal Blues, but at concerts it is simply "swung back" whenever necessary to make room for the stage equipment of the performing artists.

Yet the Arena employs state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of spectators, too. To ensure the process of paying for all items purchased in the stadium runs smoothly, the Arena's own currency was introduced - the Knappe (the German term for a miner who has completed his apprenticeship). This is an artificial unit of payment that makes use of a chip card to ensure visitors are served quickly and securely. Whether it's a beer, a bratwurst or a pretzel, the relevant amount is deducted from the Knappencard quickly and easily on confirmation by the customer. Spectators also enter the Arena AufSchalke using a ticket that incorporates chip-card technology, ensuring access to the stadium is safe and trouble-free. An advantage that visitors to the UEFA Champions League Final on 26 May 2004 will also enjoy to their benefit.

And there is one other thing that makes the Arena AufSchalke stand apart from most other European stadia. For like the Nou Camp in Barcelona it contains a place of contemplation - a chapel that is used ecumenically by Catholics and Protestants alike. This is done largely during the week, when religious services, marriages and christenings are celebrated. On matchdays, however, the Christian gathering place in the immediate vicinity of the players' dressing rooms is closed. For no prayers are to be said here for a win by either team. More accurately, it is an oasis of peace in one of the world's most atmospheric stadia.