Stadium at Schanzl | Amberg & Parking

The Stadium at Schanzl is the traditional outdoor arena of Amberg in the Upper Palatinate. Located at Am Schanzl 9, 92224 Amberg, it serves as the sports hub for soccer and American football in the city. The FC Amberg and the Amberg Mad Bulldogs play their home games here, along with youth matches, test games, and local sports events. The facility is a classic athletics and soccer stadium with surrounding standing areas and a covered main grandstand with seating. Depending on the source, the stadium accommodates between 7,000 and 8,000 spectators; a current sports data overview lists 8,000 seats with 672 seats, while the FC Amberg club sometimes communicates 7,000. Particularly convenient for visitors: Right next to the stadium is the parking lot Am Schanzl with free parking spaces, and additional parking areas are within walking distance. The combination of urban flair, short distances, and a genuine stadium atmosphere makes the Stadium at Schanzl a popular meeting point for sports fans from the entire region.

Images and Impressions of the Stadium at Schanzl

Those looking for images and photos of the Stadium at Schanzl usually want to know how the facility is structured, what the sightlines are like, and where the best photo spots are located. The stadium presents itself as a compact, city-close arena with a classic oval layout. The characteristic, covered main grandstand is the central design element. From here, one has an elevated view of the field, with short distances to entrances, kiosk stands, and sanitary facilities. Opposite lies the opposite grandstand with large, uncovered standing areas, which create a dense, immediate fan feeling during games of the football team or FC Amberg. For atmospheric photos, many choose perspectives from the main grandstand towards the opposite grandstand, as this captures the team zones, the track, and the fan blocks well. The areas behind the goals also allow for action shots taken close to the field during attacks, set pieces, and touchdowns. Particularly vibrant motifs arise on home game days when the Amberg Mad Bulldogs enter the field with their team appearance, sideline, and fan base, or when FC Amberg takes to the field for a city derby. The clear, open structure of the stadium ensures wide sightlines and prevents obstructive pillars or glass surfaces from getting in the way. This benefits both ambitious amateur photographers and media representatives. In case of rain, working under the roof of the main grandstand is advisable, which protects seats and cameras. In sunny weather, the standing areas of the opposite grandstand are popular for capturing the atmosphere in the light. For panoramic shots, the view from the top rows of the main grandstand is worthwhile, where the oval, the stands, and the field fit completely into one picture. Those wanting to take photos before the game should arrive on time, as the influx around the entrance is high. The urban environment also offers motifs away from the pitch: the LGS site within walking distance, the old town with its alleys, and, depending on the route, paths along the Vils. This creates an authentic photo series that connects the stadium, fans, and city without having to cover long distances.

Directions and Parking at the Stadium at Schanzl

The approach is straightforward: The target address for navigation devices is Am Schanzl 9, 92224 Amberg. The stadium is located near the city center and is accessible from all directions via the main urban axes. A central advantage for visitors is the parking lot Am Schanzl with around 142 parking spaces, which is open daily from 0 to 24 hours and is free to use. Those who arrive early can park most conveniently right next to the stadium and be at the entrance in just a few steps. If the parking lot is full, two large alternatives are available nearby: the parking lot Schießstätteweg with about 388 parking spaces and the parking lot Hockermühlbad with around 278 parking spaces. Both are also open daily; at Schießstätteweg, fees apply during weekdays in designated areas, while at Hockermühlbad, the parking spaces are designated as free long-term parking. The urban parking guidance system leads to available capacities via digital displays. In the old town and designated parking zones, mobile parking is also possible, for example, via the PayByPhone app or via SMS, which saves the search for coins and makes the parking time flexible. Those who prefer to arrive by bicycle will find suitable parking options around the stadium. For larger groups, it is advisable to form carpooling arrangements to reduce traffic on game days and make parking searches more relaxed. Due to the short distances, the stadium can be easily combined with a stroll through the old town or a walk around the LGS site, allowing for a combination of sports attendance and city experience. Important for visitors with mobility restrictions: In Amberg, there are designated disabled parking spaces in the old town area and additional parking spaces outside. Plan extra time for arrival on heavily demanded game days and follow the instructions of the stewarding service, which coordinates the access and occupancy of parking spaces to keep the paths clear. The clear signage, proximity to the center, and the free option at the site itself make arriving by car particularly convenient.

Seating Plan and Overview of Seats

The Stadium at Schanzl is a classic athletics stadium with a playing field surrounded by a running track. This creates wide laps and stands that present themselves as large standing areas. The central seating area is located on the covered main grandstand. A current sports data collection lists around 672 seats, which are elevated and thus offer a good view of the entire playing field. In combination with the roofing, this area is the most comfortable choice in changeable weather and is popular with families, neutral guests, and media. Opposite lies the spacious opposite grandstand, which is executed as a standing area without a roof. Here, fans are close to the action and shape the typical old-school atmosphere that many visitors highlight in reviews. Additional standing areas are attached in the corners. The stadium character is clear: there are no obstructive pillars in the grandstand area, and the running track creates distance without taking away the dynamics. Those who value an overview should choose the middle to upper rows in the seating area, preferably centered to the halfway line. For emotions from the fan curve, the standing areas of the opposite grandstand or the zones behind the goals are a good choice, especially in American football when offense and defense operate close to the end zone. A detailed, graphical seating plan like in multipurpose arenas is not necessary, as the structure of the stadium is simple and easily comprehensible: seats on the main grandstand, plus surrounding standing areas. For games with expected high demand, it is worthwhile to arrive early to find a place in the preferred block. For those seeking weather protection, the main grandstand is recommended. For close action and choreographies, the opposite grandstand is popular. The entrances are positioned so that the flow of spectators can be well distributed. Sanitary facilities and sales stands are easily accessible at the entrances. For strollers and accompanying persons, access can be organized most easily through the main entrances. For people with special requirements, the stewards and club staff on site provide support.

Tickets and Booking for Soccer and American Football

Ticket purchases at the Stadium at Schanzl are always made through the respective organizers. For American football, the Amberg Mad Bulldogs publish home game dates and ticket information digitally each season and update the information until shortly before the season starts. Online sales are managed through the club's website; for pending game dates, the overview is temporarily empty until the league schedules are confirmed. In soccer, FC Amberg informs about its club channels regarding fixtures, competitions, and conditions. Short-term test games and youth matches are usually communicated there as well. In the amateur and semi-professional leagues, ticket prices are moderate and family-friendly. Specific prices, discounts, and any combination tickets are mentioned separately for each event. For special games, the demand may be higher. An example is a highly publicized friendly match where FC Amberg hosts a higher-class team. For such highlights, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid waiting times at the entrance and secure desired seats. Always check the current game announcements in advance, as kickoff times, entry regulations, or information on permitted items may change at short notice. For groups and clubs, it is worthwhile to inquire directly with the hosting club whether there are group orders or reserved contingents. Those from the region often combine ticket purchases with a visit to the club environment on training days, but only the information from the respective organizer on their official channels is binding. For people with mobility restrictions, it is advisable to specifically discuss seats with good accessibility on the main grandstand in the inquiry. Use the online updates shortly before the game day, especially for football, as league assignments, playoff dates, and weather conditions can influence planning.

Events and Program: From League Routine to Highlight Game

The annual program at the Stadium at Schanzl mainly consists of home games of FC Amberg in soccer and matches of the Amberg Mad Bulldogs in American football. While soccer presents itself throughout the season with league matches, cup matches, and test games, football usually invites to home games of the regional league between spring and late summer. Key experiences include full standing areas in the opposite grandstand, clear commands from the coaches, and the special drama of goal-line situations. Occasionally, real highlights are added when higher-class teams visit for a friendly match. Such encounters are communicated in advance by the hosting club and attract fans from beyond the region. The stadium is also suitable for school sports festivals, athletics events at the local level, and club activities around youth. For visitors, the mix of a compact stadium, short distances, and city-close location offers the advantage of easily combining the sports experience with gastronomy and city visits. Culinary options include bratwurst and grill stands as part of the typical picture, with beverage outlets distributed along the laps; the atmosphere remains deliberately down-to-earth. Acoustically, the sound system provides clear announcements. Since the opposite grandstand is uncovered, the atmosphere varies depending on the weather: in sunny weather, many are drawn to this area, while in rain, the grandstand is the first choice. For families, the upper rows of the main grandstand are popular, combining overview and weather protection. For groundhoppers and photo fans, there is a chance to capture a classic German amateur stadium atmosphere, which is becoming increasingly rare. The program is best followed through the club pages of the hosts, where dates, opponents, and kickoff times are bundled. Those who are spontaneously in Amberg should stop by the stadium on game day – it is often visible from the outside whether a game is scheduled, as catering and stewards are clearly recognizable. A lively, authentic sports experience is at the center, supported by local clubs, volunteers, and a loyal fan base.

History and Special Features of the Facility

The history of the Stadium at Schanzl is closely linked to the development of soccer in Amberg. In the early 1970s, the area south of the old town was prepared for the new sports facility. As early as 1972, earthworks and fill were carried out on tens of thousands of square meters to make the area fit for a modern facility. In the following years, a stadium complex was created that was considered one of the progressive sports facilities in Bavaria at the time: a competition-ready playing field with about 70 by 105 meters of pure playing area, a surrounding athletics track, training fields, and functional buildings were planned. The main grandstand offered seating for several hundred spectators, and the surrounding standing areas allowed for a capacity in the high four-figure to low five-figure range, making large cup and league matches of that time possible. Among the special features of the facility during its creation phase were additional sports offerings such as a sauna and bowling alley in the expanded complex – a hint at how comprehensively club infrastructure was considered back then. Over the decades, the character of the arena has been preserved: a compact, open stadium with clear sightlines from almost every seat, supported by regional clubs. The technical standards have been adjusted as needed, for example, in sound and functional rooms. The stadium now serves as the home of FC Amberg and as a stage for American football with the Amberg Mad Bulldogs, whose rise to the regional league further enlivens the facility. A significant charm of the stadium lies in its old-school feeling: close to the action, fair prices, and direct contact with the teams. This atmosphere is often highlighted by visitors and distinguishes the Stadium at Schanzl from large, anonymous arenas. Its location near the city center contributes to the fact that games do not take place in isolation but are part of urban life. With the free parking option directly at the stadium and additional parking spaces in the vicinity, accessibility is also attractive for out-of-town guests. In summary, the stadium combines tradition with everyday functionality – a sports facility that consciously does not rely on spectacular effects but on reliable conditions for clubs, fans, and families.

Sources:

• History 1973 to 1995 – FC Amberg
• At Schanzl – Sports Data – DER SPIEGEL
• Car Parking – City of Amberg
• Amberg Mad Bulldogs – Tickets
• FC Amberg – Wikipedia