Allianz Arena Review: Visiting the stadium as a football fan

Football fans outside the Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich

I grew up as an FC Bayern Munich fan, because almost everyone in my family supported FCB. You don’t really have a choice in that situation. In my teenage years, I switched allegiances and became a Hertha BSC Berlin fan, though these days I also enjoy supporting FSV Mainz because I find the club really likeable. Nevertheless, I still pop down to the Allianz Arena every now and then. I’m in touch with a tour operator who works with a Bayern fan club and always has great ticket deals available.

All in all, I’ve probably been to the Allianz Arena in Munich at least 10 times in my life and plan to go there a few more times in the future. Perhaps also if the FC Bayern women’s team are allowed to play in that stadium again. That would certainly be a great day out for me, as I really enjoy watching the women’s Bundesliga.

I get my tickets for Bayern’s home matches through a supporters’ club

I’ve never had to go looking for Bayern tickets before, because all it takes is a phone call to the tour operator and you’re given details of which matches still have tickets available. I just leave my contact details and pay on the day of travel. We always travel by coach from Heidelberg to Munich and pick up a few more fans along the way. Usually, they’re all Bayern fans, but sometimes there are a few away fans on the coach too. It’s always been peaceful so far, apart from a bit of banter, which is perfectly fine and just part of the experience. Depending on the opponent and the competition, tickets cost between 70 and 150 euros.

For Champions League knockout stage matches, however, prices can rise significantly, as these are rare and demand is naturally high. For example, I once went to the stadium for a Champions League round of 16 match between FCB and Real Madrid. Unfortunately, it was so long ago that I can’t remember what I paid. These costs naturally include the bus fare. Food isn’t included, but drinks are available to buy on the bus. You can’t take them into the stadium, of course.

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Getting to the Allianz Arena by fan bus is really easy

I find it really exciting to travel to the Allianz Arena on the fan bus, because even if the journey takes a few hours, you’re immediately chatting to people and the time just flies by. In summer and on particularly hot days, it can get a bit stuffy, but there are one or two breaks and the bus is air-conditioned. You don’t have to worry about parking with the fan bus, and it’s usually allowed to park quite close to the stadium, so the walk is manageable. We walk perhaps 200–300 metres to the stadium.

The security staff at the Allianz Arena are friendly and helpful

I’d also like to say a few words about the security staff at the Allianz Arena, as they’re always helpful and the security checks before entry are quick. There are also plenty of security staff on site, so you feel safe. So, I’d give them a thumbs up in this regard.

The supporters’ club assigns me my seats, but the view of the pitch is brilliant

I don’t really have a choice as to which tickets I’m given by the tour operator or the supporters’ club. I usually only find out when I get on the bus, when the tickets are handed out. It’s not a big deal, though, as we usually sit in the upper tiers and slightly round the bend. From there, you have a good view of the pitch and can really soak up the atmosphere in the Allianz Arena. If I wanted to have more say over my seat allocation, I’d probably have to buy the tickets directly from FCB or a ticket portal.

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Bayern fans don’t create a good atmosphere? Not a chance!

I’ve often heard people claim that FC Bayern fans can’t create a good atmosphere. I can’t agree with that, because every time I’m at the stadium, there’s a fantastic atmosphere. Fan chants, goal celebrations and the like are all there and really get you going. I even join in with ‘Stern des Südens’, even though I’m no longer a Bayern fan. The best atmosphere, of course, is when Munich are ahead and end up winning. Then the journey home on the fan bus is much more fun too.

What food is available at the Allianz Arena?

I can confirm that there are plenty of food and drink stalls at the Allianz Arena where you can buy the classic stadium sausage with a tasty beer. There is also a wide selection of soft drinks and other food items such as chips. You cannot pay with cash at the Allianz Arena, so don’t forget your bank card. It’s essential if you want to take advantage of the food and drink on offer at the Allianz Arena. Price-wise, it’s much the same as at most other football stadiums: the stadium sausages are expensive, but they’re part of the overall experience and I wouldn’t want to miss out on them.

There are plenty of toilets, but it can get a bit crowded at half-time

Yes, just before the half-time whistle, it feels like 90 per cent of the football fans in the stadium rush to the toilets, but I usually go two minutes before the referee blows the whistle, so I never have the problem of joining long queues. What’s more, that leaves enough time to grab a drink before the second half begins. There are plenty of toilets at the Allianz Arena in Munich and they’re usually clean as well. As I travel there on the fan bus, I can also use the toilet on the bus before and after the match.

My verdict on the Allianz Arena: FC Bayern home matches are a fantastic experience

In my opinion, the Allianz Arena is one of the most impressive football stadiums in Europe. I love the architecture and, above all, the lighting in the evening. I travel to Munich about every two years to watch a football match. For example, I’ve watched the Bayern versus Hertha clash several times. Now that I’ve finished my stadium review, I’ve really got the taste for it again. I suppose it’s time to check with the fan club again to see if any Bayern tickets are available soon!

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