Preparations for the World Cup in Gelsenkirchen took a big step forward on Sunday with the opening of the Stadium Media Centre (SMC), which will be used by journalists from all over the world.

The media centre is the most important address for press representatives. At the SMC journalists and photographers will find professionally equipped workstations and receive extensive support from FIFA and local organising committee staff. Tickets for accredited press representatives will also be handed out at the SMC, which also serves as a lounge.

In Gelsenkirchen the SMC is located in a marquee on car park 1 rather than inside the arena.

The Gelsenkirchen SMC is open on 'normal days' from 1000 to 2100. On matchdays it will remain open until six hours after the final whistle, while on the days preceding the matches ('training days') it is open from 1000 to 0000. In the period between the final group game and the quarter-final (23-28 June) the Gelsenkirchen SMC is open from 1000 to 1700.