Centus-Arena | Parking & Seating Plan

The Centus-Arena in Aalen is much more than just the home ground of VfR Aalen. It stands for football days with great atmosphere, for special matches of national and international significance, and for events that go far beyond the classic stadium visit. The city of Aalen describes the arena as a venue for regular VfR home games, junior international matches, women's European Championship matches, and open-air concerts, while VfR consolidates the stadium plan, sector separation, and practical visitor information on its arena page. This mix of sports, events, and regional identity makes the Centus-Arena a prominent destination in Aalen. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

Parking at the Centus-Arena and Nearby

Those driving to the Centus-Arena benefit from a relatively relaxed parking situation in the urban area, according to the city of Aalen. The official parking page emphasizes that there is a sufficient number of public parking spaces in Aalen and that the paths to the main destinations are short. This explicitly applies to visits to the Centus-Arena as well. Additionally, the city refers to a dynamic parking guidance system that shows available spaces in the city area, making it easier to find a parking spot. Especially during home games or special events, this is a real advantage, as visitors do not have to drive around the city for long. There are also numerous designated disabled parking spaces for people with mobility impairments. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/anfahrt-und-parken-in-aalen.565.25.htm))

The municipal parking overview around the arena lists several concrete options that are interesting for stadium visitors. These include the stadium parking garage with 934 spaces, Greut with 600 spaces, the meadow Biberweg with 500 spaces, Rombachstraße with 130 spaces, the outdoor pool Unterrombach with 160 spaces, as well as additional areas for guest fans. This listing shows that the stadium environment is prepared for larger visitor flows and does not just offer a single parking space. Therefore, those planning their visit in advance can choose between several areas and select a suitable location depending on the event format. Especially on heavily frequented match days, a look at the parking overview helps to reduce stress upon arrival. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena-uebersicht-parkplaetze.106441.25.htm))

It is also important to note: On match days, access to Stadionweg may be temporarily restricted. The city of Aalen has already pointed out during a third division match that access to Stadionweg may be difficult or even blocked at times. Even though this notice comes from a specific match announcement, it illustrates the basic rule: For larger home games, it is better to arrive early, plan the walking distance from the parking area, and not rely on the last available entrance just before kick-off. Those who heed this advice generally arrive much more relaxed and experience the stadium visit without unnecessary time pressure. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/drittligaspiel-vfr-aalen--sv-meppen-parkmoeglichkeiten.109840.25.htm?utm_source=openai))

Seating Plan, North Stand, and Seats

For many visitors, the seating plan of the Centus-Arena is just as important as the actual arrival. VfR Aalen provides a stadium plan and additional information on its arena page, explaining the sector separation and access points. Tickets for specific blocks are only available at the designated ticket booths, and visitors who have already purchased their tickets online or in advance are advised to use the designated access gates. Additionally, there is an electronic access control system designed to ensure quick and orderly entry. Practically, this means that those who familiarize themselves with the plan in advance save time at the stadium and find the correct entrance more quickly. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/verein/centus-arena))

The North Stand is particularly sought after, as it plays an important role for guest fans and for managing stadium operations during many games. Several current VfR match day information sources mention the North entrance as the place where guest fans can purchase seat tickets in Block I. At the same time, catering stands are opened at the East Stand and under the North Stand depending on the match. This is practical for visitors, as arrival, entry, and refreshments are concentrated in clearly defined stadium areas. Therefore, those looking for a seat in a specific block or arriving as a guest fan should carefully check the official stadium plan and the respective match day information. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/aktuelles/news/details/informationen-zum-heimspiel-gegen-oberachern?utm_source=openai))

VfR's arena page also mentions an office directly at the Centus-Arena next to the East Stand. This is where not only administration takes place, but also part of the organizational proximity to the stadium comes together. This is helpful for fans, as tickets, fan merchandise, and information are closely tied to the venue. When experiencing the Centus-Arena for the first time as a visitor, this structure is immensely helpful: one quickly realizes that the stadium is not just made up of stands and tiers, but of a functioning visitor system with clear access points, separated areas, and a comprehensible ticketing concept. This is precisely why the search term seating plan is so central for this location. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/verein/centus-arena))

Capacity, Expansion, and Stadium Technology

When it comes to the capacity of the Centus-Arena, different numbers appear in the available sources. The city of Aalen states on its stadium page that there are 14,500 spectator seats. In contrast, the VfR arena page lists 11,088 as the total capacity and mentions 4,667 covered seats, as well as 6,421 standing places, of which 1,000 are covered. From the sources, a clear impression emerges: The capacity can be stated differently depending on the counting method, event setup, or current stadium configuration. This is not uncommon for stadiums that have been rebuilt, expanded, and prepared for various uses multiple times throughout their history. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

The development of the stadium shows how much the place has changed in recent decades. Between 1999 and 2001, the arena underwent a significant infrastructural upgrade: a seating stand with 850 seats, a video display wall, a kiosk building, and expanded standing steps on the east side were created. After the completion of these measures, the stadium initially had 11,183 seats in 2003, of which 4,773 were seats. Later, further investments were made, such as a television-compatible floodlight system up to 1,000 lux, a new sound system, the expansion of the changing room building, the reconstruction of the grass pitch with a width of 68 meters, and an expansion of the media spaces. A pitch heating system was also installed in 2008. These facts show that the Centus-Arena has not only grown historically but has also been technically prepared for higher leagues. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

The expansion in 2014 was particularly significant. At that time, the Centus-Arena was prepared within a few weeks for the second division season of VfR Aalen. The new East Stand brought 3,335 covered standing places, which is 1,247 more than before. Additionally, three containers for kiosks and toilets were rented, fences and escape gates were reinforced, the security center on the South Stand was extended, video transmission was expanded, and escape routes were improved. The city speaks of a capacity of 14,500 seats in this context. VfR, on the other hand, describes the aforementioned current counting method of 11,088 seats on its arena page. For visitors, one thing is especially important: The arena is technically modern, organizationally mature, and designed for large football and event formats. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

Events Today, Home Games, and Special Dates

The perhaps most obvious reason for a visit is the home games of VfR Aalen. The official match schedule of the club consolidates the matches of the first team, and the arena page directly refers to tickets, stadium regulations, and ticket sales. Those who want to know what is happening in the Centus-Arena today or on any match day should first check the VfR match schedule and the current information on the official city pages. This is where reliable daily information for home games, entry times, and changes in the schedule can be found. Thus, the Centus-Arena is not just a backdrop for football, but also a place where sports, ticketing, and visitor organization are closely intertwined. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/1-mannschaft/spielplan/))

The fact that the arena has significance beyond classic club football is demonstrated by the major football matches of the past. As early as 2003, it served as a sporting test with the DFL League Cup semi-final between VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund. The match was sold out and early demonstrated that the arena also works for larger football evenings. This was followed by encounters such as Germany against Russia as part of Team 2006, the DFB Cup match of VfR against Schalke 04, and later also international matches like the U19 European Championship matches in 2016. The city also documents an A-international match of the DFB women against the Netherlands in 2016. Therefore, those looking for a location with real football history will find not only home games here but also high-profile comparison matches with international flair. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

At the same time, the Centus-Arena is a venue for concerts and events with a character. The city of Aalen cites early highlights such as an open-air concert with Herbert Grönemeyer in 2003 with 28,000 spectators, a subsequent performance in 2008 with 21,000 visitors, and a CRO concert in 2015 with around 18,000 fans. Even more recent is the Pink Bowl 2025, where the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns faced the Pforzheim Wilddogs in the Centus-Arena. This was accompanied by a football school, cheerleaders, a halftime show with Tim Bendzko, and a clearly structured daily schedule for fans and families. This mix clearly shows that the arena can do more than just football; it is also attractive for large show and charity formats. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

The Advent singing has also become one of the defining special dates. The city of Aalen announced the second Advent singing in the Centus-Arena for December 12, 2025, explicitly linking community, events, and stadium experience. Admission was free, and the Office for Education, School, and Sports acted as the organizer. This makes it clear: The Centus-Arena is not limited to professional football but is used as an open event space for the region. Therefore, those searching for the term events today often mean a very broad range of match days, Christmas formats, concerts, and regional major events. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/2-adventssingen-in-der-centus-arena.237234.htm))

History of the Centus-Arena from Rohrwang to the Present Arena

The roots of the current Centus-Arena date back to the period after World War II. VfR Aalen received a plot of land in the city forest Rohrwang in 1947 after the team had initially been without a permanent home. Construction work began in early 1948, which was carried out almost exclusively by club members by hand due to a lack of machinery. The completed stadium initially consisted of an 18-meter-long wooden stand with more than 300 seats and an eight-tier standing wall as the opposite stand. It was inaugurated on September 4, 1949, with a large festive program and a match against Mainz 05. Even then, the facility offered space for 15,000 spectators. For today's visitors, this history is important because it shows how strongly the place has been shaped by club commitment, self-effort, and urban development. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Stadionzeitung/2024/06_vfr_stadionzeitung_24-25_grossaspach.pdf))

In the following decades, the stadium underwent several changes. In 1988, VfR sold the stadium to the city of Aalen, after which it was renamed Städtisches Waldstadion Aalen. In 1998, a new South Stand was added, in 1999 the clubhouse was rebuilt, and around the turn of the millennium, a sanitary and kiosk building was created in the northeastern stadium area. With the upswing towards the 2. Bundesliga, a new expansion phase began: Between 2001 and 2003, the stadium was modernized, followed by further renovations and a mobile stand. In 2017, the stadium received another name change when the Scholz Arena became the Ostalb Arena. In July 2023, Centus GmbH finally secured the naming rights, so the venue will be referred to as CENTUS-Arena at least until the 2026/2027 season. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Stadionzeitung/2024/06_vfr_stadionzeitung_24-25_grossaspach.pdf))

These name changes explain why multiple designations can still be found online. Historically, the old names appear in archival texts, stadium newspapers, and media reports, while the current marketing bears the name Centus-Arena. This is important for SEO and search intent because many users search for both old and new names simultaneously. The development is logically consistent: a stadium with club history, municipal ownership, modern expansion, and changing naming partners. The arena is thus a good example of how a regional venue has evolved over decades from a simple club stadium to a professionally usable event location. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Stadionzeitung/2024/06_vfr_stadionzeitung_24-25_grossaspach.pdf))

Special details also give the stadium a distinctive profile. VfR describes the player tunnel as a visual highlight in the style of the entrance gate to the visitor mine Tiefer Stollen. Additionally, the teams march into the stadium to the traditional Steigerlied. This connection of mining history, football, and city identity is more than just decoration. It creates a clear local reference and makes the stadium visit emotionally charged for fans, guests, and the curious. In Aalen, football is not just played; the place visibly tells something about the city and its history. This is exactly what makes the Centus-Arena a location with character. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm))

Tickets, Entry, and Practical Information

Those visiting the Centus-Arena should be interested not only in parking and seating plans but also in tickets and entry rules. VfR Aalen refers to its ticket sales for home games and to Reservix as its online partner. Additionally, the general ticket business conditions and the stadium regulations are directly linked on the arena page. This is practical because visitors can check the most important rules in advance. Those who have already purchased their tickets should keep them ready at the stadium, as entry is conducted via an electronic access control system. This makes it clear: The Centus-Arena is organized for orderly processes, and a prepared visitor has a significantly less stressful path into the stadium. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/verein/centus-arena))

The personal contact is also kept simple. The VfR Aalen office is located directly at the Centus-Arena next to the East Stand. The club provides its address as Stadionweg 5/1 in 73430 Aalen and lists fixed opening hours, such as Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is especially relevant for fans who prefer to clarify tickets, fan merchandise, or information directly on site. This also creates a very immediate stadium experience: The administration is not located somewhere in the city area, but directly at the site of the arena. For visitors coming for the first time, this is a good sign, as there are short distances between the stadium, office, and fan service. ([vfr-aalen.de](https://www.vfr-aalen.de/verein/centus-arena))

Additionally, there are practical notes for special needs. The city of Aalen mentions on the stadium page, among other things, a covered platform area in Block A for wheelchair users with companions and refers to several parking spaces at the entrance. The bus stop Eichenhof is also mentioned as a stopping point. For everyday life, this is an important point because the Centus-Arena is intended to function not only for major football days but also for people with very different travel and access needs. Those looking for the current daily schedule should check the VfR Aalen match schedule page and the official event notices from the city of Aalen. There, the most reliable information on home games, special dates, and possible changes on the event day can be found. ([aalen.de](https://www.aalen.de/centus-arena.3657.25.htm?utm_source=openai))

Sources:

• City of Aalen – Centus Arena
• VfR Aalen – CENTUS Arena
• City of Aalen – Parking in Aalen
• City of Aalen – 2nd Advent Singing in the Centus-Arena
• City of Aalen – Pink Bowl in the CENTUS Arena
• VfR Aalen – Stadium Newspaper 2024: 75 Years of Stadium in Rohrwang
• VfR Aalen – Ticket Sales