There are few places in football that carry the weight of history quite like Rote Erde. Now, as the historic ground hits the century mark, Borussia Dortmund step up with a fitting tribute, unveiling a special edition jersey that threads the past directly into the present.
Dropping to celebrate 100 years of Rote Erde stadium, this new special edition shirt will be worn across the club, from the men’s first team clash against Hamburger SV on 21 March, to the women’s side facing 1. FFC Recklinghausen the next day, and even the legends squad lining up against Benfica Lisbon on 25 March. A full club tribute, stitched into fabric.
The jersey design draws directly from the physical fabric of Rote Erde itself. At first it appears to be a sleek black presentation, but a closer look reveals the glorious details hidden within. When the light catches it right, the graphic pattern is revealed, lifted from the stadium’s historic entrance gates, with a particular nod to the unmistakable marathon gate, a structural icon that has welcomed fans for decades. It’s a subtle but powerful visual cue, embedding the matchday ritual into the shirt’s DNA.
Elsewhere, the detailing continues the narrative. The sleeves, collar and flocking channel the running track that famously encircles the pitch — a defining feature that has shaped the stadium’s atmosphere since day one. Even the badge doesn’t escape reinterpretation, reworked in tones inspired by the sandstone walls that have framed Rote Erde since 1926.
Acting as a final sign off, stamped across the back is the message “100 Jahre Stadion Rote Erde.”
Speaking about the shirt and the importance of the stadium, Kerstin Zerbe, Managing Director of BVB Merchandising, said: “Rote Erde stadium is one of the most defining places for BVB – a piece of home that, over decades, has shown what Borussia Dortmund stands for. With the special jersey, we are capturing the architecture, atmosphere, and history of this stadium and translating them into a contemporary design that visibly connects BVB’s tradition and present.”
A proper tribute to a home that has served a century. It’s a glorious reminder that before the lights of Signal Iduna Park, there was Rote Erde.
Pick up the Borussia Dortmund 25/26 special edition shirt at prodirectsport.com/soccer
