As anticipation builds for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, football fans worldwide are looking forward to experiencing the thrill of the beautiful game in some of Europe’s most iconic stadiums. Among them, Switzerland’s St. Jakob-Park in Basel stands out as a prime venue. Affectionately known as “Joggeli” by locals, this stadium is not just a stage for international football; it’s also the formidable home ground of FC Basel, a team with a rich history and a passionate fanbase.
Whether you’re travelling to support your nation at the EUROs or considering a trip to catch an FC Basel game, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your visit to St. Jakob-Park.
Matches at St. Jakob-Park
St. Jakob-Park in Basel will host several matches for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Among these are three group stage games: Switzerland vs Norway on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, which will also serve as the opening match; Germany vs Denmark on Tuesday, July 8, 2025; and Netherlands vs France on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Additionally, the stadium is scheduled to host one quarter-final and the tournament’s final. After the summer, FC Basel will play their home games here!
St. Jakob-Park: The Basics
St. Jakob-Park is Switzerland’s largest football venue, located in the south-east of Basel at Birsstrasse 320 A, 4052 Basel. Situated approximately 3 kilometers from the city centre and the central railway station (Bahnhoff SBB), “Joggeli” is a modern, UEFA 4-star rated stadium. It first opened its doors on March 15, 2001, replacing the old St. Jakob Stadium.
For the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, the matchday capacity is set at 34,250. This impressive stadium complex also boasts a shopping mall with 32 shops, two restaurants (“Restaurant UNO” and “Hattrick Sports Bar”), and even its own train station, St. Jakob, making it incredibly accessible.
The Matchday Experience at “Joggeli”
Atmosphere and Crowd: St. Jakob-Park is renowned for its vibrant and passionate atmosphere, largely thanks to FC Basel’s “big fan base” and their historically “hardened supporters.” While not explicitly “loud and hostile,” the stadium is a “football stronghold” where major matches and celebrations ignite an energetic environment. The recent 2025 Swiss Super League title win saw thousands of fans gather, chanting and lighting flares, showcasing the fervent support that makes this a formidable place for away teams. It’s truly a fortress for FC Basel!
The club also makes efforts to be family-friendly, with a designated “Family Corner” (Sector C) and new catering concepts introduced in 2025, offering quick service, quality food, and diverse options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, and a “Bebbi-Meal” for kids.
Matchday Traditions: While specific chants or large-scale tifo displays aren’t detailed, the use of red and blue flares during celebrations indicates a lively fan culture for significant events. A unique stadium tour feature allows visitors to pass through the “legendary entrance to the field – the mustard tube” and sit on the substitutes’ bench, offering a taste of the player experience. However, for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, please note that the stadium will be smoke-free, and bags larger than A4 size, professional cameras, and cane umbrellas are prohibited (small collapsible umbrellas are permitted).
Getting to St. Jakob-Park
Public transport is highly recommended for reaching the stadium due to excellent connections and limited parking.
- Train: The stadium has its own train station, St. Jakob, an approximate 8-minute journey from Basel’s central station (Bahnhoff SBB). You can also take the S3 train to Dreispitz from Basel SBB/SNCF, followed by a short walk.
- Tram: Tram line 14 connects the stadium directly with Basel’s old city centre (alight at St. Jakob stop). Trams 11 or 14 also go to M-Parc, and tram 3 to Schulstrasse, serving various stadium sectors.
- Bus: Bus 37 links the stadium with the city centre, and bus 36 connects to the north bank of the city.
- Walking: St. Jakob-Park is about 3 km from the city centre. Walking from Barfüsserplatz takes around 40 minutes, and from the main train station (Basel SBB/SNCF), about 20 minutes.
- Parking: While there are 680 parking spaces at the stadium, it’s strongly advised to use park-and-ride facilities and public transport for major events due to limited direct stadium parking.
Tickets and Seating
For regular FC Basel matches, tickets are available online, at the stadium ticket office, or at the gates on match day. Prices typically range from CHF 25-36 for short ends, up to CHF 75 for main stand seats. FC Basel games rarely sell out, so getting tickets for league matches should be manageable. For UEFA tournaments like the EUROs, tickets are exclusively sold through UEFA.com. Remember to carry a valid ID for ticketing issues at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
As for seating, while specific “ultras” sections aren’t named, the most passionate atmosphere will be found among the main body of FC Basel’s fervent supporters. Sector C is the “Family Corner” for a more relaxed experience. As a modern, 4-star UEFA stadium, views are generally good from all sections.
Pre-Game Food & Drink
Inside the Stadium: St. Jakob-Park offers a variety of “Fan Food” at its kiosks, including sausages, burgers, kebabs, hot dogs, falafel, and fries. Seasonal specialties like Raclette and Pinsa are also available, alongside vegetarian and vegan options. The catering is described as “fast, structured, and good quality,” with “Bier-Tankstellen” (beer filling stations) to reduce waiting times. For the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, expect a focus on carbon-rated menu items, promoting sustainable choices.
Outside the Stadium: The immediate vicinity of St. Jakob-Park has limited dining and drinking options beyond the stadium’s own restaurants. For more variety, head to Basel’s city centre.
- Pizza: Popular spots include Da Gianni (Nordbahnhof), Lora, and Dio/Mio Pizza Napoletana for authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
- Burgers: Black Tap Singles & Doubles Basel is a popular choice, with Coccodrillo and Bar & Bistro Victoria also offering burgers.
- Fan Zones: For the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, dedicated Fan Zones will be set up in Barfüsserplatz and Messeplatz, offering entertainment and food. Barfüsserplatz, in particular, is a known hub for FC Basel fan celebrations.
Where to Drink in Basel
Basel offers a lively atmosphere for pre- and post-match drinks.
- Fan Hubs: Barfüsserplatz and Claraplatz in the city centre have historically been fan meeting points and are surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants. Papa Joe’s, above Barfüsserplatz, is a favourite for FC Basel title celebrations.
- Craft Beer Scene: Basel boasts a thriving microbrewery scene. Check out:
- Matt and Elly (Erlenmatt): For crisp beers and street food.
- Volta Brau (Voltaplatz): Known for “wonderful beer” brewed on-site and an urban feel-good atmosphere, often broadcasting football games.
- BierJohann (St Johann) & Bierrevier (Markthalle): Both offer a huge selection of beers on tap and in cans, with great terraces.
- Inside the Stadium: Don’t forget the “Restaurant UNO” and “Hattrick Sports Bar” within St. Jakob-Park itself, along with the efficient “Bier-Tankstellen.”
FC Basel: The Home Team
FC Basel are a true powerhouse of Swiss football, boasting 21 Swiss Super League titles, with their most recent triumph in 2025, ending an eight-year wait. This success marks a significant turnaround from recent struggles, showcasing their attacking flair and clinical finishing.
- Style of Play: Basel’s recent form suggests an attacking, creative style of play, heavily influenced by key offensive players.
- Star Players: Keep an eye on Xherdan Shaqiri, the former Liverpool attacker and Swiss national team star, who played a pivotal role in their 2025 title win with an incredible 18 goals and 20 assists. Nigerian forward Philip Otele also made a significant impact, and former West Ham striker Albian Ajeti can be a goal threat.
Beyond Football: Exploring Basel
Basel, often called the “cultural capital of Switzerland,” offers a wealth of attractions beyond the pitch.
- Within the Stadium Complex: A multi-floor shopping mall for some retail therapy.
- City Centre Highlights: Basel’s beautiful medieval town centre is a must-visit.
- Basler Münster (Basel Cathedral): A stunning landmark with red sandstone walls and twin towers.
- Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge): Another iconic landmark near the cathedral.
- Gothic Town Hall: A historic structure to admire.
- Museums & Galleries: With around 40 museums, Basel has the highest concentration in Switzerland. Don’t miss the Kunstmuseum Basel, home to the world’s largest collection of Holbein paintings.
- Shopping: Explore local labels like kleinbasel or unique shops like Riviera.
- Cool Neighbourhoods:
- Grossbasel: The cultural hub of the city.
- Kleinbasel: On the other side of the Rhine, known for its diversity, creativity, and art. The Rhine itself is a popular spot for locals to cool off on hot days.
Whether you’re visiting for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 or to witness the passion of an FC Basel match, St. Jakob-Park and the city of Basel promise an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the football, explore the culture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this Swiss gem!
“Header photo” by Sven Scharr is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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