Munich Arena takes another step forward

Article posted by Coliseum, March 24^th, 2025

Image: Populous

The Munich Arena project has taken another step forward in the planning process on the way to becoming Germany’s largest and most modern concert arena.

Munich Arena said that Freising City Council has passed an important resolution successfully setting a significant milestone for the project and paving the way for the next phase of the development plan process.

Designed by Populous, the arena will be located in a new green space next to LabCampus, the technology and innovation centre at Munich Airport, with the seating to be arranged in a 270° horseshoe shape.

SWMunich will build and operate the 20,000 capacity venue, backed by more than €300 million of private sector investment.

During a council meeting, Populous presented the current plans for the Munich Arena, including their research findings in the areas of landscape planning, economics, environment, and transportation.

The city had already made a strong commitment to the project with its decision in principle to build the concert arena and its decision to initiate the development plan process in the form of a project-specific development plan.

Economic experts at Deloitte have examined the macroeconomic effects of the concert arena. Gross value added of around €390 million is expected even during the construction phase.

After its opening, the arena will generate an additional €353 million in economic stimulus annually (operating phase) for the region – not only through the arena itself, but also through overnight stays, restaurants, retail, and many other areas.

Lorenz Schmid, Managing Director of SWMunich Real Estate said, “With the Munich Arena, we want to create a place that the entire region can be proud of – a cultural, architectural, and economic flagship.

“Together with the city, the political bodies, and the local people, we are creating a home for the great moments of live music – a stage for unforgettable experiences and the power of music.

“Music moves people – and that is precisely what the new concert arena should embody: a place for emotional live moments that unites people and offers a home to international artists. It’s about more than just entertainment – it’s about a unifying force that creates lasting experiences. And yesterday’s approval by the city council further paves the way for this visionary project.”

Populous’ winning design for the arena was selected after a multistage architecture competition.

It draws upon Bavarian heritage and character to create an eye-catching concept for the new arena, with the support structure skilfully paying homage to the lozenge shape used in the Bavarian State flag.

This instantly and clearly associates the arena with the South of Germany and creates a high recognition factor. The arena’s structure means that even from a distance, visitors can see inside the arena and get a taste of the entertainment that awaits them.

The interior design takes into account the ever-increasing demands of artistes in terms of technology, stage shows and productions. Countless details are tailored to satisfy the needs of artistes, organizers and visitors, and to provide incomparable concert and live experiences.

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