Who are yer? Grasshopper Club Zurich

Grasshopper Club Zurich are one of Europe's great names.

I don't mean famous name as in Real Madrid or Bayern Munich - I mean actual name, as in Borussia Munchengladbach or Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Grasshoppers. What a name.

And to be fair, in Switzerland they are the big name too, certainly if you go back in time.

They have won the national league a monstrous 27 times although not in the past few years.

Looking back, former Spurs manager Christian Gross is a former Grasshopper boss as was Fulham's current gaffer Roy Hodgson. Papa Bouba Diop donned the blue and white shirt whilst Efan Ekoku has also played for the side in recent times.



Who are yer? FC Zurich

Long in the shadow of Grasshopper, FC Zurich is presently eclipsing its neighbours with an excellent run of form.

A Swiss Cup success in 2005 was followed up with back to back league titles in 2006 and 2007 - their first successes since 1981.

The side has had some famous moments in Europe though - they have reached the semi-finals of the European Cup twice. exiting to Real Madrid in 1964 and all-conquering Liverpool in 1977.

Roberto de Matteo is among the old boys.



Where do you come from? Letzigrund Stadium

Letzigrund has been the long time home of FC Zurich, but right now also hosts FC Grasshopper Zurich. Their Hardturm ground, all of half a mile away on the other side of the railway tracks, was used in the 1954 World Cup, held 17,000 fans but shut in September 2007.

Both clubs plan to move into a plush new 30,000 Stadion Zurich on the site at a date that keeps being put back, the latest being 2014/15 - until then the two Zurich clubs will have to share nicely.

When you get to the ground prepare to be underwhelmed.


I was looking forward to checking out one of the bright, shiny new stadiums of Euro 2008 - and I appeared to have ended up at what appears to be an ageing communist athletics bowl.

By all accounts a refurbishment took place before the tournament but if first impressions matter, it falls at the first hurdle. The stadium sign is in giant letters across what may be intended to look a rustic facade but it actually just looks rusty.

You can see right through the stadium from the street - and neighbouring homes - as there is no back wall to the stands.

Instead the roof, with peculiar floodights bending backwards away from the pitch, is held up by pillars right round. It's all on one tier, surprisingly low and unobtrusive, and a more bland bowl you'll struggle to find.

Perhaps I'm being harsh. It doubles up as an athletics stadium, is home to the famous Zurich Mile, and was refubished with the primary intention of being a summer stadium.

That necessitates the huge spaces around the side and ends of the pitch, so perhaps it will never really feel a great football venue.


We're on our way: Getting to the ground

The stadium is in Zurich's less well-off area to the north west of the centre - although to say it's poor would be stretching the truth a bit.

Head out there by tram. It takes around 15 minutes from the middle of town.

From the Hauptbahnhof, or Central on the east side (next to Central Plaza Hotel), catch Tram 3 to Albisriederplatz - then either walk the final ten minutes along Badenstrasse or change to Tram 2, which will take you to Letzigrund stop right outside the ground.

Bus 31 runs from Hauptbahnhof and Central to Herdenstrasse. From there head left along Herdenstrasse, the ground is a five minute walk.

if you do want to walk, from the Hauptbahnhof go via Schweizergasse, Gessneralle, Gessnerbrucke, Lagerstrasse, Eisgasse, Hohlstrasse and Herdenstrasse.

A few takeaways and bars line the road close to the ground but a better option before and after the game is the Neiderhof district in the centre of town. This is packed with both Swiss and English bars and it's only a five minute walk from there to Central tram stop, where you can catch a tram towards the ground.


Bag a seat: Buying a ticket

The Letzigrund Stadium holds around 25,000 for football.

FC Zurich's success has seen their crowds rise towards the 15,000 mark with Grassnhopper attracting around half that, so for the vast majority of league games getting a ticket won't be tricky. Space should be there for derbies but you'll do well to check before you travel.


Both clubs allow online booking via Ticketcorner although the site is in german.

You may want to call instead - the number for Grasshopper is  0041 44 447 46 46. For FC Zurich call 00 41 43 521 1212.



Grab a souvenir: Club stores