Different Specifications in Football Stadium Construction
Football is a global sport. No matter where you are in the world, from the southern tip of South America to the mountains of Nepal, people play and enjoy football. It has been played in its current form for over 150 years. Associations such as FIFA, UEFA, and DFB ensure uniform standards across all football fields through consistent guidelines. The rules are the same worldwide, and the overall framework is nearly identical. A standard match lasts 90 minutes, divided into two halves, with 11 players on each team. According to FIFA’s recommendation for international matches, the pitch should measure 105 meters in length and 68 meters in width.
- Match duration: 90 minutes (two halves of 45 minutes)
- Number of players: 11 vs 11
- Field dimensions (international): 105 x 68 meters
- Same rules worldwide (regulated by FIFA, UEFA, etc.)
Football Pitch Dimensions
However, the DFB regulations allow alternative pitch dimensions: the minimum width is 45 meters, and the maximum width is 90 meters. The length must be at least 90 meters and can go up to 120 meters. This means that, technically, even a square field measuring 90 x 90 meters is permitted.
Following a Strict Line
The field markings must also follow consistent standards: lines must not exceed 12 cm in width, while the penalty spot and center circle should have a diameter of 22 cm. As usual, lines should be marked with white, water-soluble paint. In the event of snowfall, blue or orange markings are to be used. The most critical line is, of course, the goal line between the posts.
- Maximum line width: 12 cm
- Penalty spot and center circle diameter: 22 cm
- Standard color: white (blue/orange in snow)
- Goal line between posts is the most critical line
When recalling stadiums from the late ’90s and early 2000s, one might remember creative turf patterns. Whether circles, fine stripes, diamonds, or even sponsor logos, Reform Spor consistently impressed with innovative designs. However, following a rule change, many of these patterns are no longer permitted in the Bundesliga. The league now requires patterns to run parallel to the goal lines to ensure a uniform appearance in the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga. The width and size of the stripes must also remain consistent across the field.
- ✅ Horizontal stripes (parallel to goal line)
- ✅ Vertical stripes (checkerboard pattern allowed)
- ❌ Circular, logo, or diagonal patterns (no longer permitted)
Vertical stripes are still permitted and can result in a checkerboard pattern. Beyond aesthetics, these stripes assist assistant referees in making offside decisions. To avoid confusion, it is essential that the turf pattern is aligned with the field markings. Horizontal stripes are also required in international matches, although they must follow a different width specification. On the final matchday of the season, more creative turf designs are occasionally allowed. Interestingly, turf patterns are not created by using different grass lengths or seed blends. Instead, they are formed through mowing techniques, particularly the direction in which the grass is cut. A cylinder mower with a rear roller is ideal for this purpose, as it bends the blades of grass in opposite directions, creating a visible pattern.
DFB and UEFA Guidelines for Turf Pattern Dimensions
As with general pitch dimensions, the DFB and FIFA/UEFA guidelines differ in turf pattern measurements. In German professional football, the first three stripes begin exactly 5.50 meters from the goal line, aligning with the goal area, penalty spot, and penalty area. These are followed by five stripes of 5.37 meters each, and then two narrower stripes measuring 4.57 and 4.58 meters respectively—ending exactly at the halfway line.
| Organization | Stripe Widths (in meters) | Final Stripe Location |
|---|---|---|
| DFB (Germany) | 3 × 5.50, 5 × 5.37, 2 × ~4.58 | Ends at center line |
| UEFA / FIFA | 4 × 5.50, 5 × 6.10 | Ends at center line |
Costs of Building a Stadium
The costs may vary, so we can only provide an estimated price for building a football pitch. Pricing a stadium involves evaluating hundreds of variables, and a precise cost can only be determined through a detailed proposal.
When building artificial turf pitches, construction costs are often compared with the costs of building natural turf pitches. Maintenance expenses should always be included in this comparison. Artificial turf can be used year-round and offers significantly longer durability compared to natural grass. Although the initial investment for artificial turf construction is higher, maintenance costs are considerably lower. An artificial turf pitch typically lasts 12 to 15 years and should be replaced at the end of this period. Recycling costs should also be considered in the budgeting phase. Over the years, the risk of injury when playing football on artificial turf has been greatly reduced, making today’s systems safe for athletes.
According to UEFA specifications, which apply to European competitions and international matches, the first three turf stripes are also 5.50 meters wide, followed by another stripe of the same width. The next five stripes each measure 6.10 meters. Regardless of future changes to field dimensions, markings, or layout, we at Reform Spor will ensure flawless implementation!