Mainz 05 and its spectators, that was a difficult relationship at times. Sporting director Christian Heidel believes the trend has reversed.
On the 11th matchday at the 1:1 against Borussia Mönchengladbach for the first time since the start of the pandemic, 25,000 spectators were in the sold-out Mewa Arena. After the international match period, it could be even more against 1. FC Köln. This is because the 27th Corona Control Ordinance of Rhineland-Palatinate provides for relaxations for outdoor events. Mainz 05, which previously implemented a 2G-plus regulation, can therefore fill all 33,305 seats in the stadium with vaccinated, recovered or tested players. Theoretically, even with a 3G concept, but there are special regulations for the indoor area. In the boxes and in the business wing, only 2G-Plus is still allowed. How the concrete implementation will take place will be decided by the local authorities.
“We had to turn away a lot of interested parties before the Gladbach game because we had no more tickets,” said Heidel, pleased with the ticket demand, which has noticeably shot up after three wins in the English week. For the first time since the permitted capacity was raised from 13,500 to 25,000 for Matchday 7, the 05ers were able to report a sell-out. “The spectators celebrated as if we had won. They gained the realisation that we threw everything in that was possible,” said the sporting director, adding, “My feeling is that everything is turning around again in the whole city. People recognise what our boys bring to the pitch. I’m sure it will be full against 1. FC Köln as well. “
Strong performance against Gladbach: “That’s quite a statement “
“It’s certainly a lucky point for Gladbach, which is testament to the fact that we put in a really good performance,” Heidel noted with satisfaction. “The fact that we played so dominantly in the second half is quite a statement. We would have deserved three points,” thought keeper Robin Zentner, who identifies a good development: “We now also have continuity in our performance, that’s what matters. “