The FIFA World Cup Stadium: Munich

New Delhi: The arena chosen to host the German national team in the Opening Match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 9 June 2006 boasts a truly unique exterior, guaranteeing the stadium a place among the most unusual and spectacular venues in the world.

The smooth facade formed from translucent, lozenge-shaped cushions glows in a variety of colours to imbue the structure with a shimmering, magical poetry.

The 66,000 capacity stadium was inaugurated on 30 and 31 May 2005 by joint owners TSV 1860 Munich and FC Bayern Munich, Germany's most successful club.

The first Bundesliga goal at the new ground was scored by England international Owen Hargreaves in Bayern's 3-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.

OC President Franz Beckenbauer led the ceremony to lay the foundation stone in October 2002.

The seven-storey structure was completed in April 2005. Some 120,000 cubic metres of concrete and 20,000 tonnes of steel were needed.

The ground is situated to the north of the Bavarian capital in the district of Fröttmaning, with ideal traffic connections via the A9 motorway.

The extraordinary facade consists of 2,874 EFTE (ethylene tetrafloroethylene) foil panels. The self-cleaning, fire, heat and cold-resistant panels are inflated to a permanent pressure of 350 Pascal.

Each panel can be separately illuminated in white, blue or red, creating a breathtaking backdrop at night games. Regulations do not allow the lighting effect to be changed more than every two minutes in order to minimise distraction to motorway traffic.

The three-tier arrangement in the stands is unique in the Bundesliga. The highest tier still provides superb views thanks to a steep 34-degree rake.

Europe's largest underground car park on the site provides almost 10,000 parking spaces.

In March 2004, FIFA named Munich as the venue for the Official Opening Ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The ceremony takes place ahead of the Opening Match on 9 June 2006. The 2006 FIFA Congress will also be convened in Munich.

The Bavarian metropolis is the location for the International Media Centre. The new stadium stages the Opening Match, a semi-final and four more matches at the tournament.