Olympiastadion München – stadium description

Where does the Olympiastadion get its name from?

The name Olympiastadion directly reflects its original purpose—as the main stadium of the Olympic complex built for the 1972 Summer Olympic Games. The venue formed the centrepiece of the newly created Olympiapark in the northern part of the city and was designed from the outset to host the Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics competitions. Hence its official name—Olympiastadion in German literally means Olympic Stadium.

Although several stadiums around the world share a similar name (e.g., in Berlin, Amsterdam, Helsinki and Rome), Munich’s venue is one of the most recognisable thanks to its iconic membrane roof architecture. The name was adopted officially already during the planning phase in the 1960s and has never been commercialised—unlike many contemporary arenas in Germany and across Europe, Munich’s Olympiastadion has never had a title sponsor, and its name is protected by the city authorities as part of Germany’s Olympic heritage.

The stadium remains an integral element of Olympiapark München, the sports and leisure complex built on former wartime spoil heaps and storage grounds. The entire investment had a symbolic dimension—intended to present modern, democratic and peaceful Germany in contrast to the 1936 Berlin Games. The choice of the name Olympiastadion therefore also carried historical and image significance.

Where is the Olympiastadion located?

The Olympiastadion is located in Munich (German: München), the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany. The stadium stands in the northern part of the city, in the Milbertshofen-Am Hart district, within the extensive Olympiapark München complex. It sits beside the Olympic Lake (Olympiasee) and in the immediate vicinity of the distinctive Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm), one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.

The site on which the stadium stands was purpose-built in the late 1960s for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The location was chosen for its ample space, allowing the creation of a comprehensive urban scheme comprising sports facilities, technical infrastructure and green areas. The Olympiastadion lies roughly 4–5 kilometres northwest of Munich’s historic centre (Marienplatz), forming a key element of the city’s northern sector and one of Germany’s most distinctive sports structures.

What is the capacity of the Olympiastadion?

The Olympiastadion’s official capacity has changed over the years depending on the stadium’s functions and evolving safety regulations. At its opening for the 1972 Summer Olympics, the arena could accommodate around 80,000 spectators, with a proportion of standing areas—a common feature at major European venues at the time. The stadium was configured for athletics and football, with a seating bowl offering considerable flexibility.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the stadium underwent a series of adaptations in line with UEFA and FIFA requirements. Safety systems were upgraded and most standing areas were converted to all-seater configurations. As a result, the official capacity was reduced and currently stands at approximately 69,250 for sporting events, as confirmed by the venue operator, Olympiapark München. For concerts and mass events, overall attendance can be higher thanks to the use of the pitch area, but the fixed stadium capacity remains just under 70,000.

When was the Olympiastadion opened?

The Olympiastadion was officially opened on 26 May 1972, a few months before the start of the XX Summer Olympic Games. The inauguration formed part of a broader programme showcasing the newly built Olympic complex in the city’s north, conceived as a symbol of a modern and democratic Germany. The stadium was completed after just four years of construction—an impressive engineering and organisational achievement.

Although designed for the Games, the venue hosted its first sporting events even before they began, including football matches and test runs of infrastructure and ceremonies. The official opening combined sporting and cultural elements, underscoring the stadium’s role as the central hub of Olympic Munich. From that moment, the Olympiastadion began to function as one of the Federal Republic of Germany’s most important sports arenas.

Who uses the Olympiastadion on a day-to-day basis?

At present, the Olympiastadion does not have a permanent tenant in the sense of a football club or sports organisation playing regular league fixtures there. This situation stems from the departure of Munich’s two major football clubs—Bayern and TSV 1860—which used the stadium as their home ground until 2005. Following the opening of the Allianz Arena, both teams moved to the new venue in Fröttmaning, and the Olympiastadion ceased to serve as a day-to-day league stadium.

The stadium is managed by the municipal company Olympiapark München GmbH, which operates the entire Olympic complex. It functions as a multi-purpose venue for cultural, recreational and sporting events, primarily hosting large concerts, athletics meetings, mass gatherings, corporate events and special showcases. Owing to its unique architecture and historical importance, the Olympiastadion is also a tourist attraction and a key stop for visitors to the Olympiapark.

What events have taken place at the Olympiastadion?

The Olympiastadion has hosted numerous international sporting events, with its history inseparably linked to the 1972 Summer Olympics. It staged the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies as well as the marquee athletics competitions. The stadium is also etched in football history as a venue for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, including the final in which the FRG defeated the Netherlands 2–1. Twelve years later, during UEFA Euro 1988, it again hosted the final of a major tournament, where the Netherlands won their first—and to date only—European title.

For more than three decades the Olympiastadion was a central stage for German club football. From 1972 to 2005 it was the home of FC Bayern München, witnessing many of the club’s greatest domestic triumphs. The venue hosted several European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals—notably the 1997 final in which Borussia Dortmund defeated Juventus, and the 1993 final between Olympique de Marseille and AC Milan. Beyond football, the stadium has regularly staged major athletics competitions, including the 2002 European Athletics Championships.

After 2005 the stadium shifted its profile and became one of Germany’s most popular concert venues. Global superstars such as Michael Jackson, U2, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Coldplay and Robbie Williams have performed there. The Olympiastadion has also hosted major social and media events, including music festivals, automotive shows, mass runs and even religious gatherings—such as a visit by Pope John Paul II. Thanks to its versatility, the stadium remains one of Europe’s most active historic sports venues.

What does the architecture of the Olympiastadion look like?

The Olympiastadion’s architecture is regarded as one of the most groundbreaking achievements in post-war sports design. The stadium was created by the practice of Günther Behnisch in collaboration with the renowned structural engineer Frei Otto, famed for pioneering lightweight tensile structures. The complex formed part of a futuristic architectural vision for the 1972 Olympics, intended to symbolise openness and a new, peaceful image of the FRG. The stadium’s most characteristic feature is its lightweight, translucent roof of acrylic panels suspended from a steel-cable net, draped over the stands like a rippling fabric. The roof integrates the stadium with the hilly landscape of the Olympiapark, forming a coherent ensemble with the nearby Olympic Hall and swimming facility.

The stadium bowl is elliptical, surrounded by stands with flowing, organic lines. Unlike classic ring-shaped arenas, Munich’s venue stands out for its asymmetry and openness. Some sections were originally left uncovered—a deliberate architectural decision emphasising transparency and modernity. The suspended roof spans over 74,000 square metres, making it one of the largest structures of its kind. At the time of construction, it represented a technological breakthrough and has inspired subsequent stadiums with lightweight membrane roofs around the world.

The Olympiastadion’s architecture blends functionality with symbolism. The venue was built on an artificially modelled terrain, reusing wartime rubble from bombed Munich to create the so-called Olympic Hill. In this way, the stadium was partly embedded in the landscape—a novel approach to stadium design. Advanced construction methods and materials were employed for the era, and the concept of visual lightness and the rejection of monumental heaviness was intended as a counterpoint to the architectural forms associated with the Third Reich. Today, the Munich stadium remains a twentieth-century icon and one of the world’s most recognisable sports structures.

What amenities and technological solutions does the Olympiastadion offer?

Although built between 1968 and 1972, the Olympiastadion stood out from the start for its forward-looking technical solutions. The most important engineering element is the unique membrane roof made of transparent acrylic panels supported by a system of steel cables. The structure not only provided partial cover for the stands but also sheltered them from wind thanks to the roof’s aerodynamic form. The roof admits natural daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating an impression of visual lightness. The stadium was also equipped with advanced—for its time—floodlighting and a sound system tailored to Olympic ceremonies and television broadcasts.

The stadium’s structure incorporated modern functional back-of-house spaces, including extensive technical areas, team changing rooms, conference facilities and media zones, reflecting its readiness for both sporting events and large-scale international gatherings. In the 1990s the venue underwent upgrades to meet new UEFA and FIFA safety requirements, including enhanced surveillance, evacuation systems and internal circulation infrastructure. The arena was also adapted for complex television production, enabling events such as Champions League and European Championship finals to be hosted.

Today the stadium also provides amenities for recreational and tourist visits. There are food outlets, VIP lounges and event spaces used during concerts and special occasions. The surrounding Olympiapark offers extensive supporting infrastructure, including parking, promenades and green spaces. Although the Olympiastadion is no longer Munich’s primary football venue, ongoing technical upgrades and operational adaptations ensure it continues to meet modern standards for mass events.

How can you get to the Olympiastadion and what transport options are available?

The Olympiastadion is very well connected to the rest of Munich and can be reached by both public transport and car. Located within the Olympiapark in the city’s north, it is easy to access from the centre. Public transport is the most convenient—above all the U-Bahn metro, which offers fast links to key points in Munich, including the main railway station and the city centre. Metro stations and numerous bus stops lie within walking distance of the stadium.

Arriving by car is also possible, with parking provided both next to the stadium and elsewhere in the Olympiapark for event guests. For major events, organisers often implement additional measures such as temporary overflow parking and special bus services. The Olympiastadion is also easily reachable by bicycle thanks to an extensive network of cycle paths from various parts of the city. As a result, access to the stadium is quick, convenient and adaptable to different modes of transport.

What sporting events are held at the Olympiastadion?

The Olympiastadion has a rich sporting history, though it no longer serves as a day-to-day football ground. The most significant event in its history was the 1972 Summer Olympics, for which it hosted athletics competitions as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. In subsequent years, the venue has repeatedly staged top-tier athletics events, including the European Athletics Championships in 2002 and again in 2022, reaffirming its suitability for major international competitions. Regular athletics meetings, mass runs and recreational events associated with the Olympiapark are also held here.

For more than three decades the stadium was closely tied to football: from 1972 to 2005 it hosted matches of FC Bayern München and TSV 1860 München, and it frequently staged domestic and international finals. It was here that the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final and the UEFA Euro 1988 Final were played. The venue also hosted three European Cup/UEFA Champions League finals (1979, 1993, 1997). Although regular football ceased after the opening of the Allianz Arena in 2005, occasional special matches, Germany national team fixtures, showcase tournaments and alternative sports events—such as Red Bull X-Fighters or motor and cycling competitions—still take place. Thanks to its multi-purpose nature, the stadium remains an active sporting venue, albeit in a different role than during its footballing heyday.

Are concerts or other cultural events held at the Olympiastadion?

Today the Olympiastadion is one of Germany’s foremost venues for large concerts and cultural events. After Bayern and TSV 1860 moved to the Allianz Arena in 2005, the stadium clearly shifted its profile and emerged as a concert arena of international standing. Its large capacity, open space and unique architecture with the characteristic membrane roof make it ideal for music spectacles and festivals. World-class artists—including Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, U2, AC/DC, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Metallica, Robbie Williams, Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé—have all performed here, cementing the Olympiastadion’s status as one of Europe’s most popular concert stages.

In addition to concerts, the stadium regularly hosts major cultural and civic events such as festivals, multimedia shows, special presentations and large-scale charity and commercial gatherings. Live television events, galas and media productions requiring substantial space and stage infrastructure are also held here. The Olympiastadion has even been the site of religious events, including a visit by Pope John Paul II. Thanks to its flexibility and extensive infrastructure, the venue remains a vibrant cultural hub for Munich and the whole of Bavaria.

What attendance records have been set at the Olympiastadion?

Attendance records at the Olympiastadion relate to both sporting events and concerts. The highest official figures come from the period before safety restrictions and the phasing out of standing terraces in the 1990s. Football matches at times drew crowds exceeding 80,000. The highest attendance on record was during a Bundesliga match between TSV 1860 München and 1. FC Nürnberg on 15 April 1973, when about 80,000 spectators filled the stands. Similar numbers were reached during Bayern München’s biggest fixtures, especially in European competition before capacity reductions.

Even higher totals were recorded for concerts that utilised the pitch area. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the stadium repeatedly hosted audiences of over 90,000. Among the standouts were Michael Jackson’s “HIStory World Tour” concerts in 1997, when the stadium was filled to the maximum permissible levels under the regulations of the time. Due to subsequent rule changes and protections for the structure, contemporary events are staged at attendances aligned with the stadium’s official capacity of around 69,000; however, concert crowds can still exceed 70,000.

Has the Olympiastadion undergone renovations or expansions?

The Olympiastadion has seen several renovations and maintenance programmes since its 1972 opening. Owing to its unique construction and outstanding architectural value, the stadium is protected as a listed structure, so any changes have been conservative and respectful of the original design. As early as the 1990s, significant upgrades were introduced to meet UEFA and FIFA safety requirements: most standing areas were removed, evacuation systems were reinforced, technical facilities were modernised and the media infrastructure was adapted for live television broadcasts.

Further works followed in the early 2000s, updating technical installations, improving lighting and sound systems and carrying out maintenance on parts of the roof structure—the stadium’s defining feature. The most extensive renovation programme has been scheduled in recent years for 2025–2027, encompassing refurbishment of the membrane roof, upgrades to energy and technical infrastructure and adaptations to meet contemporary standards for mass-event operations. The goal is to secure the stadium’s future for decades to come and to maintain its role as a prestigious concert, sports and cultural venue.

What are the plans for the future of the Olympiastadion?

A comprehensive renovation has been planned for Munich’s Olympiastadion, with the main objective being the restoration and reinforcement of its iconic undulating roof. The project is of a preservational nature – its goal is to maintain the original design by Frei Otto and Günther Behnisch while adapting the structure to modern safety and technical standards. The renovation will involve strengthening and replacing selected steel components, acrylic panels, and fastening systems, which, after more than five decades of use, now require modernization.

The total cost of the project has significantly exceeded initial estimates – according to recent figures, it is expected to reach around €283 million, almost three and a half times more than projected in 2022. The high costs are due to the unique nature of the roof’s design, which requires over 12,000 specially manufactured components for its refurbishment. The modernization aims to extend the stadium’s lifespan by several more decades, ensuring its continued functionality for both sporting and cultural events. For the city of Munich, the project also holds symbolic importance – the renewed Olympiastadion is intended to remain a central sporting venue and a potential centerpiece in Germany’s future bids to host the Olympic Games.