The Alte Försterei has been home to 1. FC Union Berlin (and its forerunners) since its opening on August, 7th 1920.

The club is widely recognized as one of Germany’s most nonconformist “cult” clubs, based on their fierce rivalry with Dynamo Berlin back in former GDR times. While Dynamo was affiliated with Eastern-Germany’s much feared Stasi, Union Berlin was patronized by Eastern German Trade Union FDGB, placing them in unofficial opposition against the socialist system. In the packed terraces, fans could often be found singing veiled chants against the political authorities.

Alte Försterei stands as a true cult-classic. The atmosphere is truly cauldron like and the near 19,000 fans would fall onto the field if it weren’t for the fence.