CHIO Aachen & The Hauptstadion
The Wimbledon of equestrian sport. 40,000 spectators roaring inside the world's greatest grass stadium, crowning champions of the Rolex Grand Slam and the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup.
The Mecca of Classical Horse Sport
Organized by the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), CHIO Aachen is universally regarded as the premier equestrian tournament on earth. Over 350,000 spectators gather each July at the historic Aachener Soers grounds near the tri-border of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The tournament is legendary for its electric atmosphere. Nowhere else does a 40,000-seat amphitheater fall into dead silence as a horse enters the ring, followed by thunderous applause with tens of thousands of white handkerchiefs waved in unison during the traditional farewell ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
Aachener Soers Specifications
- Main Stadium (Hauptstadion)
- 40,000 Spectator Capacity
- Dressage Stadium (Deutsche Bank)
- 6,300 Permanent Seats
- Indoor Hall (Albert-Vahle)
- 1,200 Seats (Vaulting)
- Grand Prix Title
- Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen
- Total Annual Attendance
- 350,000+ Enthusiasts
The Hauptstadion: Grass Footing Science
The 130m x 220m grass arena floor is subjected to some of the highest dynamic stresses in international sport. Aachen’s grounds management team uses specialized rootzone engineering to ensure footing remains stable, resilient, and non-slip through 10 days of intense jumping.
Polymer Root Entanglement
Specialized synthetic fibers mixed directly into the top sand-loam rootzone interlock with living grass roots. This matrix prevents hooves from slicing or tearing sod during tight jump rollbacks.
Sub-Base Drainage Cells
A high-flow gravel sub-layer and laser-guided drainage array evacuates torrential European summer rainfall instantly, keeping the grass firm rather than waterlogged.
Ground Reaction Cushioning
Carefully calibrated soil elasticity dampens peak concussive impact on the horse's distal limb joints and navicular bone, reducing musculoskeletal fatigue across multiple rounds.
The Arenas of Aachener Soers
Permanent multi-stadium infrastructure purpose-built for five Olympic and FEI disciplines.
The Hauptstadion
40,000 SeatsThe world's largest show jumping stadium. Features Frank Rothenberger's demanding 1.60m courses, the legendary Aachen water ditch, and the Sunday Rolex Grand Prix.
Deutsche Bank Stadium
6,300 SeatsDedicated entirely to international dressage. Features a covered grandstand and micro-waxed all-weather footing for the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special and Freestyle.
Albert-Vahle-Halle
1,200 SeatsHistoric indoor hall hosting the CVIO Vaulting Nations Cup, where gymnasts perform acrobatics atop moving horses to musical choreography.
Frequently Asked Questions: CHIO Aachen
Why is CHIO Aachen considered the "Wimbledon of Equestrian Sport"?
Founded in 1898, CHIO Aachen (Concours Hippique International Officiel) is the oldest and most prestigious annual equestrian competition in the world. Welcoming over 350,000 passionate spectators across 10 days, it is the sole European venue that unites five official disciplines under FEI Nations Cup rules: Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Four-in-Hand Driving, and Vaulting.
What makes the Hauptstadion grass arena footing world-renowned?
The 40,000-seat Hauptstadion features a 130m x 220m grass arena constructed with a sand-dominated rootzone engineered to resist compaction. A specialized geo-fiber root stabilizer network interlocks grass root systems, preventing turf shearing and divot formation even under heavy warmblood studs executing tight turns and explosive 1.60m Olympic takeoffs.
What role does CHIO Aachen play in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping?
CHIO Aachen hosts the European summer leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. The Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, held on the final Sunday in front of 40,000 spectators, is widely considered the ultimate test of show jumping partnership, featuring Frank Rothenberger courses with towering obstacles, the open water jump, and the iconic Turkish Bank.
What facilities are provided for international dressage and driving?
Dressage is contested in the permanent 6,300-seat Deutsche Bank Stadium featuring precision all-weather waxed silica sand footing. Four-in-hand driving marathon obstacles weave across the adjacent Soers fields, while vaulting and evening galas take place in the Albert-Vahle-Halle.