Bundesliga Match at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion Cancelled Due to Weather-Induced Safety Risks

The Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV (HSV) and Bayer Leverkusen, scheduled for January 13, 2026, was abruptly cancelled less than three hours before kickoff due to structural safety concerns at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) announced that weather-related static risks in the stadium's roof, caused by accumulation of meltwater beneath snow insulation, rendered the venue unsafe. The stadium, which was sold out with 57,000 attendees expected, was closed to ensure the safety of fans and players.

Despite ongoing snow and ice removal efforts since mid-last week, the recent thaw in Hamburg led to significant point loads on the roof membrane. Consulting structural engineers identified these loads as a safety risk, prompting coordinated decisions by the DFL and local safety authorities to cancel the match. This marked the third weather-related Bundesliga match cancellation in Northern Germany in January 2026; earlier cancellations included FC St. Pauli vs. RB Leipzig and Werder Bremen vs. TSG Hoffenheim, both rescheduled for January 27.

The cancellation has caused frustration among fans who had traveled long distances for the highly anticipated match. HSV has promised to provide detailed ticket information for the sold-out game in the coming days. The incident highlights the challenges winter conditions have posed to Bundesliga scheduling this season, with broader disruptions including widespread train delays and school closures.

The DFL and Hamburg authorities prioritized public safety in making the difficult decision. They are currently evaluating options for rescheduling the HSV-Leverkusen fixture. The situation exemplifies ongoing weather-related complications affecting professional football in Northern Germany during winter 2026.