Aarau’s Iconic Brügglifeld Stadium Celebrates Centenary

The historic Brügglifeld stadium, home to FC Aarau, marked its centenary this weekend with a celebratory friendly match against German side Schalke 04.

While the weather was less than ideal, with heavy rain dampening the pitch, the spirits of the Die Adler faithful were anything but. The Challenge League side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Schalke, a result that felt fitting for a day of celebration.

Brügglifeld, which opened its doors on 12 October 1924, remains a monument to football nostalgia. Located in the municipality of Suhr, bordering Aarau, the stadium stands as the last of its kind in Switzerland, retaining an old-world charm that has captured the hearts of football romantics. The proximity of fans to the pitch, the largely uncovered stands, and the intimate atmosphere have made it a beloved home for FC Aarau and a unique venue in Swiss football.

The game on Saturday was a fitting tribute to the stadium’s storied past. Mamadou Fofana gave Aarau an early lead in the 9th minute, but Schalke’s Emil Höjlund, brother of Manchester United star Rasmus Höjlund, levelled the score in the 37th minute. Colin Odutayo restored Aarau’s lead before half-time, only for Schalke’s Ron Schallenberg to equalise in the 73rd minute. Despite the draw, the atmosphere in the stadium was jubilant, with fans unveiling a special choreography in honour of the anniversary and the players donning commemorative shirts to mark the occasion.

📷 FC Aarau – FC Schalke 04#ZämeFörAarau pic.twitter.com/8FObmmqZHk

— FC Aarau (@FCAARAU) October 13, 2024

While the result was secondary to the celebration, the match served as a reminder of Brügglifeld’s unique place in Swiss football. When the stadium first opened, FC Zurich, then Swiss champions, were the inaugural opponents. Over the years, the ground has hosted memorable matches, including an international fixture between Switzerland and Israel in 1987, although only 3,000 fans attended that day.

However, despite its deep connection with football history, Brügglifeld has also faced its challenges. The stadium, with a capacity of 8,000, has long been due for a replacement. Since 2002, there have been various plans to build a new ground, including a proposal for the “MittellandArena” near Aarau’s train station, but these efforts were halted by voter rejections and legal disputes. In recent years, the club has won several votes in favour of a new development on the Torfeld Süd site, but issues ranging from funding to objections have delayed the start of construction.

Brügglifeld remains a cherished venue, even as modern stadiums with state-of-the-art facilities become the norm. For many fans, its simplicity and closeness to the action are key parts of its appeal. The main stand, built in 1982, is the only covered section of the ground, meaning most fans brave the elements—wind, rain, or shine—to watch their team. This unique experience has created a lasting bond between the stadium and its supporters, a relationship that was on full display during the anniversary celebrations.

The Future of Brügglifeld and FC Aarau

As Brügglifeld reaches its centenary, the question on many fans’ minds is what the future holds for both the stadium and FC Aarau. While plans for a new stadium have been in the works for years, the ongoing delays and legal challenges raise concerns about whether this iconic ground will ever be replaced.

For football purists, Brügglifeld represents the heart and soul of the game, a throwback to a time when football was less commercialised and more about community. While modern stadiums offer comfort and cutting-edge facilities, they often lack the character and intimacy that places like Brügglifeld provide. In an era of rapid change, perhaps there’s something to be said for preserving a bit of the past, where fans stand shoulder to shoulder in the rain, feeling every moment of the game as intensely as the players on the pitch.

Brügglifeld may be old, but it’s far from forgotten. The love that FC Aarau’s supporters have for this stadium is proof that, sometimes, tradition is worth holding onto. As FC Aarau continues its journey in Swiss football, it will do so with Brügglifeld at its heart—whether in its current form or through the eventual completion of a new home.