Bayern Munich reveled the new Allianz Arena

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The 1.Bundesliga club is banking on the seething atmosphere inside their new stadium to help them to a new era of domestic and European success. A full house of 66,000, crammed into the steep banks of seats in the three-tiered Allianz Arena and the atmosphere inside the 280m Euros, which will host the opening ceremony and first match of the 2006 World Cup, was spine-tingling.

Coach Felix Magath believed it was a taste of things to come. "It was a marvelous beginning," said Magath, who led the club to a domestic double in his first season in charge. I'm sure the new stadium will prove its value to us, particularly in Europe. With an atmosphere like this, UEFA referees will find it difficult to make calls against us."

The atmosphere was especially impressive compared to the lifeless feeling of the club's former home at the Olympic Stadium, where crowd noise was sucked straight out and a running track spoiled the view. The hope for the club is that the decision to move to a new stadium they co-own with city rivals TSV 1860 Munich, rather than continue renting at the Olympic Stadium, will help their long-term financial future.