The stadium was built in 1929 for the sports club of the German Reichspost at the site of a former Prussian Uhlan parade ground.

Richard Hofmann scored all three goals for Germany before England's David Jack finally equalised late in the match.

The stadium was also used as a professional boxing arena, and on 7 July 1935 Max Schmeling won against Paulino Uzcudun after twelve rounds.

On 7 August 1936 outsider Norway knocked Germany out of the tournament by a 2–0 win in the quarter-finals, in front of 55,000 spectators.

The Nazi leadership including Adolf Hitler witnessed this defeat, whereafter team manager Otto Nerz was immediately dismissed and replaced by Sepp Herberger.