Sportplatz

Sportplatz is a term used in German-speaking countries to designate an outdoor space for organized sport. It typically refers to a field or ground used for training and matches, often operated by a municipality or a local sports club. The concept covers various sports, but is most commonly associated with football (soccer) pitches as well as multi-use fields.

A Sportplatz usually consists of a playing surface, either natural grass (Rasenplatz) or artificial turf (Kunstrasenplatz), marked for the respective sport, with basic equipment such as goals and nets, corner flags, and boundary lines. Depending on the site, it may include a running track, adjacent courts, and minimal spectator facilities or seating. Lighting for evening play and changing rooms or toilets are common but not universal.

Access to a Sportplatz is typically controlled by the managing body, often a municipality or a sport club. It is used for training sessions, club matches, school activities, and local recreational play. Availability and usage rights are usually governed by rental agreements or membership, with rules aimed at safety and fair use.

In German, Sportplatz contrasts with a Stadion, which implies a larger venue with formal seating and higher capacity, and with Sportanlage or Sportstätte, terms that emphasize the broader sports facility or complex. The terminology varies by country and region, but Sportplatz generally denotes an outdoor, community-oriented sports ground.