DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - Traffic chaos in German top-level sports? Fans of the Bundesliga and other sports are also likely to feel the impact of the warning strike called by the Verdi union. Who is affected? Where are long journeys to and from events expected? What exactly is being struck? An overview.
What is being struck?
The warning strike affects local public transport companies—almost nationwide. Buses, trams, and subways are mainly impacted. Away fans traveling by train to another city will have to figure out how to continue their journey from the respective train station. During the nationwide public transport strike earlier this month, public transportation in large parts of Germany had already come to a near standstill.
Where is the greatest chaos expected?
Dortmund in particular is likely to face major traffic issues. More than 80,000 spectators are expected for the Bundesliga top match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m./Sky). In addition, the Helmut-Körnig-Halle nearby is hosting the indoor athletics championships, and the Westfalenhalle is the venue for a techno event. On top of that, the A2 highway between DO-Nordwest and DO-Nordost is completely closed.
Fans have also been warned about difficult journeys ahead of matches such as FC Augsburg vs. 1. FC Köln today (8:30 p.m.) and SV Werder Bremen vs. 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday (3:30 p.m.).
What do the clubs recommend?
Clubs recommend that fans cover the last stretch to the stadium on foot or by bicycle whenever possible. Those arriving by car should set out early—and be prepared to use parking lots further from the stadium.
Since leaving Germany's largest football stadium without the relief of public transport is likely to take longer and test fans' patience, Dortmund officials advise: "Don't rush when leaving the stadium, stay calm, and factor in longer waiting or lingering times."
Stadtwerke Augsburg, for example, is offering fans the use of its roughly 940 rental bikes for free on Friday—if they book via the smartphone app. In Bremen, there are calls for fans to form carpools to help reduce traffic congestion.
Are there any exceptions?
In Mönchengladbach, where Borussia faces 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday (3:30 p.m.), at least the shuttle buses are set to run as usual. These operate between the main train stations in Mönchengladbach and Rheydt and the stadium, and back. More than 50,000 fans are expected at the match.
In Kaiserslautern, the strike will even end before the second division match between FCK and SC Paderborn on Saturday (1:00 p.m.). So, getting to the Betzenberg should not be any more difficult than usual.
Which other sporting events are affected?
In Augsburg, in addition to top-flight football, there will also be an ice hockey match this evening (7:30 p.m.). The Panthers will play their local rivals EHC Red Bull Munich. The ice hockey stadium is relatively central in the city, requiring just over a kilometer's walk from the train station.
The situation is similar for the Kölner Haie, who play ERC Ingolstadt today. The arena of the eight-time German ice hockey champions is also near the train station—unlike, for example, the stadium of third-division football club Viktoria Köln, who will host VfB Stuttgart II on Saturday (2:00 p.m.)./lot/DP/mis
