Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp hailed a "fantastic day" in his club's history, after the Bundesliga leaders had marked the opening of their Rhein-Neckar-Arena with a 6-2 victory over a select XI.
The Bundesliga leaders yesterday officially moved into their new home with a capacity of just over 30,000, before they resume their league campaign at home to Energie Cottbus next Saturday.
Hoffenheim have famously marched through the third and second divisions on their way to the top.
"This is another fantastic day in the history of 1899 Hoffenheim," said Hopp, who has funded their rise up the ranks and the 60-million-euro stadium.
"More than 100 companies with 1,300 employees, including 47 from this region, have helped to create this great stadium.
"The stadium is a beacon and 1899 is the club of this whole metropolitan region."
Selim Teber (2), Wellington (2), Sejad Salihovic and Francisco Copado were all on target for Hoffenheim in a their win against a team made up of the best players selected from amateur clubs throughout the region.
Retired referee Dr Markus Merk officiated at the opening, witnessed by a sell-out crowd of 30,153.
Hoffenheim have already sold 20,000 season tickets for the second half of the season, and the new stadium is set to be sold out for all their remaining Bundesliga fixtures as they look to become the first side since Kaiserslautern in 1998 to win the league at the first time of asking.
"I hope the miracle of Hoffenheim will go on forever in this arena, which is a gem," added Hopp.
