Schalke supporters are known for turning up early and in numbers regardless of the division or the opposition. The pre-match atmosphere around the ground is part of the experience – fans gather at the bars near the stadium well before kick-off and the build-up is unhurried and social. Visiting supporters have their own clearly signposted entrance and are kept separate from home areas, which is standard practice at German grounds. Stewards are generally straightforward to deal with. First-time visitors often find it worth arriving at least 90 minutes before kick-off, particularly for bigger fixtures when queues at the turnstiles take longer than usual to clear.
