Design concept chosen for new Oldenburg Stadium project

Article posted by Coliseum, May 19^th, 2026

Image: Stadion Oldenburg GmbH & Co. KG

The German city of Oldenburg has presented its chosen design for the planned Oldenburg Stadium project following a Europe-wide tender process.

Proprojekt said Oldenburg City Council is scheduled to make the final decision on the contract award at the beginning of June.

Proprojekt has been supporting the City of Oldenburg and Stadion Oldenburg GmbH & Co. in the development of the new stadium for several years.

Starting with the initial feasibility studies and the preparation of economic analyses, the architect together with AS+P, played a leading role in organizing, preparing, and conducting the Europe-wide tendering process for selecting the general contractor for the planned new stadium.

Frankfurt (Germany)-based Proprojekt is an owner-managed consulting firm specializing in project management for planning, construction and sports.

The primary tenant of the new stadium being built in Oldenburg (at Maastrichter Strasse) will be the German semi-professional football club VfB Oldenburg.

Designed with an initial capacity of 10,000 spectators, the venue is being specifically built to meet the licensing requirements of the 3.Liga.

The new Oldenburg Stadium project plan is for a modern, multifunctional, and sustainable venue with stands positioned close to the pitch.

The stadium’s continuous roof, supported by wooden trusses, will create a unique stadium atmosphere inside and allow for diverse uses.

With this new construction, the city is responding to the increasing demands for safety, infrastructure, and suitability for professional football, and is thus investing in the long-term development of the location.

Oldenburg Mayor Jürgen Krogmann said, “With the successful completion of the tendering process, we have taken a decisive step towards a modern, top-class stadium for Oldenburg.

“With a comparatively modest budget, an arena with a distinctive character can be created that is both architecturally impressive and multifunctional. The ball is in the penalty area – we just have to take the shot. This project is an important investment in the future of our city – in sporting, economic, and social terms.”

Stefan Orth, Managing Director of Stadion Oldenburg GmbH & Co., is also enthusiastic about the design proposal.

He said, “We are getting a high-quality stadium here that will set standards for decades to come. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill stadium, but a versatile arena with a distinctive identity.

“With its fully enclosed roof, four single-tier stands located close to the pitch, and a high proportion of standing room, we are creating ideal conditions for a cauldron-like atmosphere and fantastic support. We are creating the new Hell of Donnerschwee.”

According to the design, the stadium will have a capacity of 10,604 spectators. This includes 6,195 seats and 4,409 standing places.

If needed, the capacity can be expanded to up to 15,000 places, comprising approximately 8,700 seats and 6,300 standing places. This accommodates both current requirements and potential sporting developments.

The investment cost estimate prepared in 2024 projected approximately €50.4 million for the 10,000-seat version. The implementation of the winning bid from the tendering process is budgeted at €57.3 million.

Orth considers the increase justifiable under the circumstances, which include a significant rise in construction costs: “We will get the best possible stadium under these conditions, which will ultimately be worth considerably more than the agreed price.

“If the council gives the green light on Monday, June 1, 2026, we will further refine the plans together with the general contractor in the coming months and prepare them for the building permit application.”

Uniform heights, a continuous roof edge, and exposed concrete bases characterize the overall appearance of the future stadium in the design.

The stadium will have a striking octagonal structure. The four glazed exterior areas at the transitions to the four sides of the stands are enclosed and, through their transparent design, create a special lighting effect.

Diagonal sightlines open up, allowing glimpses into the stadium interior from the outside. Furthermore, the enclosed corners provide effective sound insulation. Two video screens are planned, suspended directly under the roof in the northeast and southwest corners.

The connection between the west stand and the main building is particularly successful. The main building is built in front of the stand and seamlessly integrated into the stadium facade. It houses changing rooms, fitness and physiotherapy facilities, a media center, a mixed zone, and other functional spaces.

The complex also includes catering and hospitality areas with boxes and business seating. The vertically structured facade with its high proportion of windows and a floating wooden roof structure lends an air of elegance.

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