"Hier kommen die Hooligans," a sodden security guard muttered dryly as we trudged past. It was early November 2013 and we were making our way to the Sportpark Hohenberg for Viktoria Koln v Schalke 04 II. I gave him a smirk and we kept on wading toward the ground, which was half-hidden behind bare trees. Supporters from both teams mingled outside the grandstand, which was impressively large for a fourth-tier side. A pair of beefy, bull-necked bikers bedecked in leather, denim and Schalke 04 badges side-eyed my friend Dale, who - with his cherry Doc Martens, Levi's and denim jacket - manages to carry off the '80s terrace look with some panache. We got our beers and bratwursts without confrontation, and took our seats at the back of the grandstand. Across the pitch, on the terracing, Viktoria's small set of ultras were waving flags and banging drums. The game had barely kicked off before Masatoshi Hamanaka, Viktoria's Japanese striker, put them ahead. Against a side featuring World Cup runner-up Gerald Asamoah and some of Gelsenkirchen's most promising young talent, Viktoria were bossing it: playing swift, crisp passing football and breaking down Schalke's lumpen attacks with relative ease. Far from being on a similar level to Conference football, on this day Viktoria would have given any SPFL team (Celtic aside) or Championship side a run for their money. David Muller made it 2-0 before the break and, apart from a late consolation, Schalke's youths rarely threatened in the second half. With the rain still pouring at full time, we schlepped back to the tram, at once confusing and delighting the locals with chants of The Kink's Victoria. It was a great lower league football experience, showing that it's not just the Bundesliga that the game back home could learn a few lessons from.

This is a great small stadium to watch American football. The seats in the stand were in the shade. The standing room area was in the direct sunlight. Food and drink along with team merchandise were available. Loud music and party atmosphere. Don't drive there, there's a bus and tram within 5 minutes walk of the entrance.

Decent field but the stadium definitely needs an upgrade. Shower and changeroom facilities are very dated with only 1 bathroom per changeroom which is not conducive to team sports. Brings a great atmosphere but a lick of paint would help. Great standing section brings an awesome atmosphere.

Nice traditional sports field in Cologne.

Oldskool stadium, home of Viktoria Köln. One big stance. A curry wurst stance right in front of the main stance with good guality food.

Great ground, players close to fans, food and drinks are good, would recommend.

Nice cozy stadium, nice club

Very nice small sized stadium

Great place

The best döner I've ever eaten

Beautiful soccerarena with quality sports education

Groundhopping

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Home for ever,,Viktoria 1904

Super

good place for rest and make sport exerisize

Tennis 🎾