A large concert hall is currently under construction at the Munich Airport (near Freising in Germany). The ‘Munich Arena’ is scheduled for completion by 2029.
Concert Venue
In Germany, there are often multifunctional venues primarily for sports. In contrast, the ‘Munich Arena’ will be the first concert venue.
The ‘Munich Arena’ will enjoy a parking garage with 1,200 spaces and an adjacent hotel with 200 rooms. On concert evenings, the 34-meter-high hall, with a roof spanning 100 meters without any disruptive supports in the interior, will offer space for 20,000 music fans.
Tough Competition
‘br.de’ stated that the above arena will give tough competition to Munich’s 15,500-seat Olympic Hall.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Munich Arena’ took place at the Munich Airport. Germany’s largest concert hall, with a capacity of 20,000, is scheduled for completion by 2029. While some are excited, there is a section of people who are worried. For example, in Munich’s Olympic Park, there are concerns about declining revenue as the top music stars will likely prefer to perform at the ‘Munich Arena’.
Clinking Coffers
‘br.de’ further stated that investor of the new arena in Munich Lorenz Schmid is counting on the huge revenue flow. The Managing Director of SWMUNICH Real Estate GmbH Schmid comes from Freising and is fulfilling a lifelong dream with the concert hall in his hometown. If he could have one wish for the opening, planned for 2029, it would be a concert by Coldplay (British rock band) or Chris Martin (vocalist, pianist and Co-Founder of the rock band Coldplay). That this might actually happen seems quite possible.
‘Project of the Century’
One of the partners of the SWMUNICH Real Estate GmbH is the concert promoter Live Nation which collaborates with numerous mega stars and once brought Adele (English singer-songwriter) to Munich.
“We don’t think small,” said the Managing Director (MD) of Live Nation Germany, Austria and Switzerland Marek Lieberberg, also referring to the ‘Munich Arena’, which he considers a “project of the century”.
Concerts-Dedicated
Unlike many other arenas, the Munich Arena will not be a multipurpose venue but will be entirely dedicated to concerts.
“We don’t have a playing field,” explains investor Lorenz Schmid. The focus is on the stage: “That means perfect sightlines, perfect acoustics, perfect hospitality.”
Horseshoe Shape
The seating arrangement will be done in a horseshoe shape. This is intended to bring the stage closer to the audience. There will be no daylight in the arena which should make the lighting effects stand out. Furthermore, no hard surfaces such as glass will be used in order to avoid “reflections,” as Schmid further explains.
Privately-Financed
The Munich Arena has even prompted enthusiasm from the Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU). He says the project will put Bavaria at the forefront of culture and events. Moreover, it won’t cost the taxpayers “a single cent”: The 400-million-euro project will be privately-financed.
According to the operators, around €400 million in private investment is being poured into the construction – there are no Government subsidies. The concert promoter Live Nation is on board as a long-term strategic partner. The US corporation is considered the world’s largest live entertainment company and is expected to ensure that international megastars regularly include a tour stop at the ‘Munich Arena’.
‘Major Competitor’
In Munich, however, the developments are being viewed with concern. “The new arena in Freising is certainly a major competitor,” admits Marion Schöne, Head of the Olympic Park. For five decades, no major music acts have bypassed Munich “and that will most likely change dramatically”. Munich cannot compete with the standards planned in Freising.
‘Budget Shortfall’
Schöne fears that transferring profits to the city will likely no longer be possible and even paying the lease could become difficult. The “budget shortfall” probably cannot be fully compensated. But they will try everything and “focus on our unique selling points”.
Small Concerts
The Olympic Park Director cites, for example, its location within the city and in the middle of a park. She is also counting on the open-air events and the major sporting events in the Olympic Park – as well as small concerts.
‘Fit for the Future’
Concert promoter Marek Lieberberg is convinced that Munich’s Olympic Hall will continue to be relevant when it comes to the events for up to 12,000 visitors. However, he pointed out that the hall needs to be modernized and made “fit for the future”.
Mixed Feelings
Meanwhile, in Freising, the plans for the Munich Arena and hotel have drawn mixed feelings. Critics lament the large amount of land required and fear significantly more traffic – not only on the ground, but also in the air, when the concertgoers arrive by plane. There is concern that “a need for a third runway will arise”, says Freising Mayor Monika Schwind. This must not happen under any circumstances.
‘Positive Development’
Underscored Mayor Schwind, “An arena in Freising is a positive development as we have a lot to boast in terms of cultural offerings and the facility will provide an economic leg-up to the city.”
International Recognition
Freising would also stand to gain international recognition if Munich were to win the bid for the Summer Olympics. In that case, the Munich Arena would hold swimming competitions and could temporarily go into a competition mode.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a top priority not only in the construction of the approximately 90,000-square-meter site but also in its operation. The arena, the parking garage and the hotel will be equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs. The heating will be provided by sustainable district heating while an ice storage system will store cooling generated during the day using solar power thus making it available for use in the evening when needed. The venue will be easily accessible not only by car but also by S-Bahn (suburban train). It is a 15-minute walk from the Airport Visitor Park station.
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