[Google Translation]

120 years of stadium history: The oldest professional club in the world comes to Degerloch

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the GAZi Stadium on the Waldau will be the venue for a special football evening: At 7 p.m., Stuttgarter Kickers will host Notts County FC, the oldest professional football club in the world ? a real highlight in the summer preparations and a celebration of the stadium's 120th anniversary.

Germany's oldest stadium meets the world's oldest professional club

The Kickers Stadium, then known as the "Kickerssportplatz," was opened on June 18, 1905, with a 3-3 draw against Ph?nix Karlsruhe. The fact that Notts County, founded in 1862, is now traveling to the anniversary match provides a special setting for all football fans who love the sport in its most authentic form.

Notts County has a special history:

  • Founded in 1862 ? one year before the founding of the Football Association (FA)
  • Founding member of the Football League (1888)
  • Today in EFL League Two ? England?s fourth-highest league


For Kickers fans, this match is more than just a test: It's a clash between two football nations in Germany's oldest stadium, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It's also a sporting comparison: How does a German regional league team fare against an English fourth division team?

And there's plenty to celebrate off the pitch, too. Not only is the Kickers stadium celebrating its 120th anniversary, but there's also another record to celebrate: With 11 years as main sponsor, MHP ? A Porsche Company has been on the team's chest longer than any other sponsor before.

Kickers President Rainer Lorz says: "Notts County is a special opponent ​​with a special history that fits well with us and our stadium. This is more than just an ordinary friendly for us."

Tickets are available in the ticket shop from Wednesday, June 18th .
All further information will follow in the coming weeks ? the club is looking forward to a well-attended GAZi Stadium and an unforgettable anniversary match.


https://www.stuttgarter-kickers.de/aktuelles/news/2025/06/120-jahre-stadion-geschichte-der-alteste-profiklub