For scientists, artists, architects and soccer fans alike; the Allianz Arena in Munich is definitely worth a visit. How come this building attracts such a diverse and usually incompatible crowd? Because this is not your typical soccer stadium!
The 2005 opened Allianz Arena is home stadium to both of the soccer teams in Munich, FC Bayern München and TSV 1860 and was therefore planned as stadium solely dedicated to soccer, replacing the Olympic Stadium as the center of Munich’s football. This architecturally one-of-a-kind arena was built in only three years of construction time. Over 340 million of Euros were invested in the building that is now home to 69.901 completely canopied seats in an area of 6000 m2. Famously, the arena was also the stadium for the opening game on June 9th of 2006 for the FIFA soccer world cup, and it is planned to serve as venue for the final game of the UEFA Champions League in 2012. So why is exactly this arena chosen for all these important Champions-League games, UEFA cup games and international games? Just look at the architecture!
Built by the architect group Herzog & de Meuren, this stadium is truly unique. From outside it seems kind of like an inflatable air mattress that you could let yourself fall into. And that’s not even all. This air mattress can change its colors! Made out of 2,874 ETFE-foil air panels that are kept inflated with dry air, and surrounded by a foil of 0,2 mm thickness, these areas are also able to change their color and the brightness of it. The plan is that the Allianz Arena is illuminated red for the home games of Bayern München, blue for those from 1860 München und for neutral games like those of the German national football team white. It costs only 50€ an hour to light up the arena, and at night time it is so bright, that on clear nights you are able to see the illuminated stadium from the Austrian mountains, which are more than 75 kilometers away. In the beginning, the stadium changed its color more often, but according to police records there was an average of ten car accidents daily because of the proximity to the highway. This is why there are no more color combinations allowed, and it can be illuminated with colors only every half an hour in the evenings.
Although looking at this unique stadium from the outside is already an experience by itself, you should not miss the chance to be part of a guided tour that gives you an inside look. There are the normal tours that last around 75 minutes and introduce you comprehensively to the facts and interior of the arena. Then, there’s the Arena Fan Tour which take you into the stadium interior, dressing rooms, press club, player’s tunnel, upper tier and sponsor’s lounge of the stadium. And if you have children traveling with you, there’s even a special kids tour, made especially for interested little soccer fans. After having been there, you will finally understand why the Allianz Arena attracts so many different types of fans and professions.
Want to see this incredible stadium yourself? Come get yourself an apartment in Munich, and your accommodation is safe!
