Today we are in the Regionalliga West (4th tier) visiting the Niederrheimstadion.
This clash sees RW Oberhausen (placed 6th in Regionalliga West) welcome Paderborn II (10th) in a division currently led by FC Bocholt.
Oberhausen is one of my favourite grounds to visit, this is my fourth time here now. Reasons?
First, the bar. The bar is part of the stadium, but its not IN the stadium, which is the perfect arrangement. The beer garden features the classic long german bench tables. These are brilliant if you’re travelling alone and want to meet people and chat. In order to facilitate this – 1) wear an obscure football shirt 2) don’t put headphones in 3) carry an English language book or newspaper. Instant pals, guaranteed.
Secondly, the canal. When the trees behind the stand aren’t in full leaf, you can watch barges drift past behind the scoreboard.
The only other ground i can think like this is Shrewsbury, but please feel free to correct me.
Thirdly, the mascot. He’s called Underdog, and he looks like this:
Incidentally there was one attempt to start a rival mascot – called ‘Gasometer’ after the gasometer which is visible from the ground, and is mentioned in the song (see link below). Unsurprisingly the dog beat the gasometer paws down, so now its just Underdog.
Fourthly, the fans.
And fifthly, there’s a song – because, of course there’s a song.
Interesting sidenote. Today’s number 10 for RW Oberhausen is Moritz Stoppelkamp, who whilst playing in the Bundesliga for today’s opponents (albeit in the first team, obvs) scored this absolute worldie:
Now for some footer!
