A special event is celebrating its 20th anniversary: the bett1.de Biathlon World Team Challenge at Schalke. On December 28, biathlon fans can look forward to even more goosebump moments, surprises and top-class sport. The biggest biathlon spectacle in the world has been one of the most popular winter sports events ever since 2002 with its top-level piste. Advance tickets are now on sale and fans can secure the best seats in the VELTINS Arena now.
It all began in 2002 with an idea: to inspire TV viewers after Christmas with an entertaining format. The Biathlon at Schalke was born - and interest in this extraordinary event grew from year to year. From the very beginning, the format has had an extremely loyal fan base and is a fixed date in the season for many biathletes. Several thousand spectators cheer on the athletes in the VELTINS-Arena every time, and millions follow the live broadcast on their screens. In recent years, visitors have experienced impressive and unforgettable moments: Like the emotional farewells of Magdalena Neuner or Ole Einar Björndalen, who crossed the finish line together with DSV athlete Benedikt Doll. Doll let the Norwegian go first and thus provided one of the most moving moments at the biathlon in Schalke. The German double victories and Laura Dahlmeier's last race are still remembered today.
"The biathlon at Schalke has developed into one of the most popular winter sports events of all. We are delighted to welcome the world's best athletes to Gelsenkirchen every year. The unique atmosphere and the close proximity to the course appeal to fans and athletes alike," says chief organizer Herbert Fritzenwenger. "It makes us proud that we are celebrating a special anniversary this year, for which we will be coming up with a few surprises."
Year after year, the enthusiastic crowd creates a fantastic atmosphere both in the VELTINS-Arena and on the outdoor track. The fans get up close and personal with the top-class international teams. The entertainment program with a music act, the popular winter village around the Schalke stadium including a party area and a gigantic indoor fireworks display offer further highlights.
In 20 years, the biathlon at Schalke has constantly evolved. The snow required for the traditional event will once again come from Alpenpark Neuss in 2023, which is set to become carbon-neutral by the spring of this year thanks to a pioneering sustainability project. In order to counteract the unavoidable environmental impact of transportation in line with the polluter-pays principle, FC Schalke 04 began making a lasting ecological contribution to the region as early as 2022. Together with Landschaftsagentur Plus, the club is making targeted investments in improving the performance of ecosystems under the motto "GEmeinsam Gegenwirken". Supporting a specific sustainability project will also be an integral part of the plans for the annual Biathlon WTC in the future.
"The biathlon at Schalke has become a flagship event for FC Schalke 04 and for our region. I'm really looking forward to the anniversary and I'm sure that the fans will experience a special highlight this year. With Ruhpolding and Oberhof, Gelsenkirchen is the third biathlon location in Germany," says Christina Rühl-Hamers, member of the board of FC Schalke 04. "In cooperation with the DSV, we are also strengthening the work of young talent in biathlon by sponsoring the best German junior team in the Talent Team Challenge."
Tickets for the bett1.de Biathlon World Team Challenge on Thursday, December 28, 2023, are available from 19 euros at tickets.schalke04.de, via the hotline 0209 / 97 75 1877 and at the ServiceCenter at the FC Schalke 04 office (Ernst-Kuzorra-Weg 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen).
