Easy access and its central location is a big plus point for FIFA World Cup City Gelsenkirchen. 53,000 spectators are expected at each of the four first round matches as well as at the quarterfinals. The journey to this regularly sold-out stadium is already straightforward. But the completion of various building projects next year will ensure that driving to Gelsenkirchen will be at world class level. When the World Cup starts, a total of 55 million euros will have been invested in transport infrastructure improvements, 7 million of which will have been donated by the city.

Two of the largest investments made are in the new 'Schalke' junction on the A42 and the rebuilding of the city centre mainline railway station. The no.302 tram will play a major role for fans because its route connects the mainline station, the Glückaufkampfbahn (location for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Fan Fest) and the centre of Gelsenkirchen-Buer. Thanks to newly installed double traction, passenger capacity on the no. 302 tram has been significantly increased.

FIFA World Cup City Gelsenkirchen investments overview:

• Connecting the K5 to the A42 junction 'Schalke Nord'. (22,000,000 euros)
• Mainline railway station reconstruction (11,575,000 euros)
• Overhead conductor lines no. 302 tram (7,000,000 euros)
• Reconstruction of the tram platform in the mainline rail station. (2,600,000 euros)
• Passenger tram stop at the Arena (2,250,000 euros)
• Vinckestrasse extension and improvements (completed). (2,600,000 euros)
• Uferstrasse extension and improvements (4,100,000 euros)
• Optimization of traffic flow around the Veltins Arena (2,500,000 euros)
• Lift for disabled people at the central bus station (395,000 euros)