Built 1953–1954 Opened 24 April 1954 | Record attendance c. 60,000 Closed 1998 | |
Capacity 51,500 (1954) – 36,800 (1998) Similar Charmilles Stadium, Wankdorf Stadium, Hardturm, Cornaredo Stadium, Stade olympique de la Pon | ||
The St. Jakob Stadium was a football stadium in Basel, Switzerland and the former home of Swiss club FC Basel. It was built in 1954, and as well as serving as a club stadium, it hosted several important matches, including a 1954 FIFA World Cup semi-final and four Cup Winners' Cup finals.
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Tickets and posters for a planned Madonna concert on August 31, 1987, were printed, but the event never materialised, because of failed negotiations between Madonna's management and the Swiss concert promoter, Good News. A gig in Nice, France was instead organised for that date.
Pop Superstar Michael Jackson performed in front of 50.000 people during his Bad World Tour in June 16 1988. Actress Elizabeth Taylor and singer Bob Dylan attended the show. Jackson planned a Dangerous World Tour concert in Basel on September 11, 1992 but the show was cancelled because the singer was ill. Jackson performed in Basel his last Swiss concert on July 25, 1997 in front of over 48.000 people during his HIStory World Tour.
The St. Jakob-Park has been built in its place. It was nicknamed "Joggeli" by Basel supporters.
1954 World Cup Games
During the 1954 FIFA World Cup, St. Jakob Stadium hosted 4 group stage matches, one quarter-final match, and one semi-final match.