Useful information for QPR supporters

23rd of July, 2pm: Lok Leipzig vs. Queens Park Rangers

Tickets available for the away end only at the away end on matchday.
Price: 12 Euros
Concessions: 9 Euros

A bit of history:

As with every club from the former East Germany, Lokomotive Leipzig have a complicated history. Founded in 1893 as "VfB Leipzig," the club became the first ever German Champions in 1903. After World War II, VfB Leipzig was dissolved by the Soviets (as was every other club).

Clubs were re-founded and re-named until finally, in 1966, "1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig" was born. "Lok" became a major power in the old East German Oberliga and enjoyed international success as well. In 1974, Lok reached the UEFA Cup semi-final after beating Ipswich Town und Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tottenham Hotspur eventually knocked Lok out. In 1987, Lok reached the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup (losing 1-0 to Ajax, van Basten with the goal).

After German reunification in 1990, the club was re-named back to VfB Leipzig and played in the Bundesliga in 1993/94 - even beating Borussia Dortmund away. But unfortunately, like most East German teams, VfB Leipzig struggled to adapt and were declared bankrupt in 2004.

Nevertheless, fans re-established "Lok Leipzig" in non-league football and the club has since climbed back up to the 4th tier - one promotion away from the professional third division.

In the "new" Lok Leipzig era since 2004, the club have already played three English teams: FC United of Manchester (2006), Fulham (2012) and Brentford (2012).

Bruno-Plache-Stadion:

Our stadium is one of the oldest and most historically important football grounds in Germany. Originally opened in 1922 with a capacity of 40,000, the iconic wooden main stand was built in 1932. The main stand is still in active use today and is the only one of its kind in Europe -- probably in the world.

Where to drink:

Where the tourists go - Markt

Just off Leipzig’s central square is a narrow side street called Barfußgäßchen, home to numerous bars and cafés with ample outdoor seating. Bar Spizz on the corner of square is the first port of call with cheap food and local beers. Further down the side street is the Leipzig’s original Irish bar – Kildare City Pub. Slightly more pricey, various beers and ales, including Guinness, are available on tap as well as classic pub grub.

Where the locals go - Karl-Liebknecht-Straße

The long street which heads south from the city centre is known locally simply as the “Karli” and is home to endless pubs and bars which serve students and local Leipzigers. At the top of the street, Café Waldi is a classic Leipzig establishment with a small beer garden outside and comfortable sofas inside – plus a large range of beers. Further down the “Karli”, Volkshaus is an ideal place to soak up the booze with big burgers at modest prices – plus a well-stocked cocktail menu. After dinner, keep heading down the street to the legendary Killiwilly – a smaller, grubbier Irish pub which is home to Leipzig’s ex-pat Brits. At the bottom of the “Karli,” Noel’s Ballroom is a maze of little underground rooms where you’ll probably get lost.

For the traditionalists ...

For a genuine taste of historic Leipzig, head to the newly-renovated Bayerischer Bahnhof – “Bavaria station” – the old departure point for the historic Saxony-Bavaria railway, now a traditional brewery, beer house and restaurant serving unique Leipzig specialities. The Bayerischer Bahnhof has specialist beers which you won’t find anywhere else in the world (see below: What to drink!)

When you head down to the ground, give yourself enough time for a final pit-stop at the Brauhaus Napoleon – where the little French emperor had his headquarters during the 1813 Battle of Leipzig. Located right next to the tram stop “Prager/Russenstraße,” the old beer house is a five-minute walk from Leipzig’s Bruno-Plache-Stadion. Nineteenth-century weapons and portraits adorn the walls, while the Munich-style Helles beer goes down a treat.

What to drink

Ur-Krostitzer – the most commonly found lager in Leipzig. Pretty standard, can’t go wrong.
Wernesgrüner – a crisper Saxon pilsner. Refreshing.
Köstritzer Schwarzbier – a classic, eastern German black beer. If you’re into Guinness, try this.
Gose – a unique Leipzig speciality, Gose is a sour, top-fermented beer which is often drunk with a shot of syrup. Even in its home city, it’s difficult to find, but can be ordered at Spizz and the Bayerischer Bahnhof.