Berlin is running for the Olympic Games: a mega chance or risk?

Berlin is running for the Olympic Games: a mega chance or risk?

Berlin, Deutschland - Berlin plans to organize the Olympic Games for the first time since 1936. This application is part of the concept "Berlin+", which also includes four other federal states: Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The ruling mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) emphasized how important Berlin's role is in this application. However, it remains unclear whether Berlin will host the games 2036, 2040 or 2044. The German Olympic Sports Confederation rates the various applications by the end of September 2025, the final decision about the German applicant is scheduled until autumn 2026. There are currently competitors such as Munich, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia (Rhine and Ruhr region).

Several sports facilities in Berlin are planned for the planned competitions, including the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Park, the Hohenschönhausen Sports Forum, the Mommsen Stadium, the Velodrom, the Jahn Sportpark and the Europa sports park. Special competitions are planned at the Brandenburg Gate (beach volleyball) and at the marathon along the Museum Island. In addition, an Olympic village is intended for around 16,000 athletes west of the fair. Brandenburg's Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) names the Beetzsee for rowing and canoeing as well as possible locations for golf in Bad Saarow and activities in the areas of sports shooting, triathlon and road bike races.

financing and infrastructure

The financial expenses for the Olympic Games could be enormous. It is estimated that billion -dollar investments may have to be initiated in order to modernize the necessary sports facilities and build new ones. Many of the existing sports facilities, which were built to run the 2000 Olympic Games, may no longer be in optimal condition. Wolfgang Schuster, board member of the architect and engineering association, indicates that sports facilities have a half-life of around 25 years. The condition of some halls could therefore be a great obstacle.

Christine Edmaier, President of the Chamber of Architects, believes that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will include sustainability in the catalog of requirements. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that a new hall is necessary for martial sports disciplines such as Judo and Taekwondo. A suitable area for rowing could also be found in the Rummelsburg Bay in Berlin, while the Max-Schmeling-Halle needs smaller investments.

criticism and concerns

The application does not only meet with approval. Critics, including the Greens and the federal government, express concerns about the costs and sustainability of the project. The "Nolympia Berlin" initiative is planning a referendum against the games. At the same time, there are also supporters who emphasize the opportunities for sport and improve the infrastructure. Currently, 500,000 euros in the Berlin budget are planned for the application for dialogue events, while financial support from the federal government is expected.

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