A historic event for all American Football fans: Rhein Fire return to Düsseldorf after 18 years. 

On June 1, 2025, the two-time ELF champions led by Head Coach Jim Tomsula will host the Vienna Vikings in Düsseldorf's Merkur Spiel-Arena. It will be the rematch of the spectacular ELF Championship Game 2024.

"Gives me goosebumps"

"It's a great feeling to be playing in Düsseldorf again after so many years. Ever since the resurrection of Rhein Fire at the 2021 Championship Game in Düsseldorf was announced, many fans have been eagerly awaiting this day. Who doesn't have fond memories of the legendary games in the old Rheinstadion and later the modern arena? Flamethrowers, pyro shows, confetti up to the knee, horses in the stadium, live music, pyromaniacs and exciting sport", says Max Paatz, Managing Director of Rhein Fire.

He adds: "Okay, some things shouldn't be done like that today, but in short, it was a glittering festival that absolutely deserves a revival. The thought of the MERKUR GAME 2025 on June 1st and full stands in the Merkur Spiel-Arena certainly just gives me goosebumps and makes me look forward to it. I hope we will see many old, current and new Fire fans. A big thank you already goes to the city of Düsseldorf, D.SPORTS and MERKUR for making this football festival possible."

Just like in the old days, a huge pre game party is planned, starting hours before kick-off around the Merkur Spiel-Arena. This includes an entertaining stage program, exciting fan activities for young and old, stands from partners and sponsors, as well as numerous US food trucks.

The sporting entertainment will also be top class. Rhein Fire have impressively demonstrated their position as one of the best teams in the European League of Football with their two championships in the last two years. However, the Austrian guests Vienna Vikings, champions in 2022 and vice-champions in 2024, also stand for football at the highest European level. 

The MERKUR GAME also rounds off American Football Madness, the combination of American Football Convention and American Football Festival, which takes place on May 30 and 31 in and around the arena.

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