Abandoned UEFA Cup final stadium bigger than Anfield and Emirates now unrecognisable

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Schalke's iconic Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen was abandoned for years (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Schalke's iconic 62,000-capacity stadium once hosted the UEFA Cup final before falling into disrepair.

The first leg of the 1997 UEFA Cup final between Schalke 04 and Inter Milan was held at the Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.The German club won the first match 1-0. Another notable difference is that it is no longer used by Schalke's senior side, having been abandoned by the club following their relocation to the glitzy Veltins Arena in 2001.Parkstadion served as Schalke's home between 1973 and 2001.

In 1967, Gelsenkirchen's city council approved plans to construct a large stadium, and the first match held there was a friendly game between Schalke and Feyenoord.Five fixtures were played at Parkstadion during the 1974 World Cup, which West Germany ultimately won. Since then, Schalke's Under-23 side and youth academy teams have been using the historic turf as their official home ground in tribute to the club's rich heritage.