[1] This was the first season where the defending champions kicked–off the opening match.
The promoted teams were Hannover 96, Arminia Bielefeld and VfL Bochum, returning to the top flight after an absence of thirteen, two and one years respectively.
FC Köln and FC St. Pauli after spending time in the top flight for four, two and one years respectively.
1 VfL Wolfsburg played their first seven home matches at the VfL Stadion before permanently moving to the Volkswagen Arena.
The final table of the 1st Bundesliga, Season 2002/03