Plans to upgrade Max-Morlock Stadium in Nuremberg have sparked controversy among the local community and environmentalists. The project envisages that hundreds of centuries-old oak trees will have to be cut down, which has raised objections from environmental organisations and some local residents.

Environmentalists' concerns

In accordance with the decision of the Nuremberg city council, Max-Morlock-Stadion is to be redeveloped at a cost of €200 million into a modern football arena without an athletics track. The plans also include changes to the surroundings of the stadium, which includes the relocation of some sports functions to new areas.

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Bundurschutz (BN), the environmental protection organisation, expresses the concern that this project can lead to the cutting of even 500 trees, including many hundred-year-old oak trees. BN representatives, including Klaus-Peter Murawski, point out the contradictions in the nature conservation reports and stress the importance of the oak forest, which provides habitat for protected species such as evening bats.

© Kasa Fue (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Municipality response and alternative proposals

Cornelia Trinkl, sports councillor for the city of Nuremberg, emphasises that the city authorities are taking the concerns of environmentalists seriously. Working groups have been set up to assess various aspects of the project, including the needs of athletes and environmental protection. Trinkl assures that final decisions have not yet been made and the project is in the consultation phase.

BN is proposing alternative solutions that could reduce the need to cut down trees. One of these is to build new sports facilities in less forested areas. Murawski stresses that the organisation is not against sport, but wants the project to also take into account the protection of the unique natural environment.

© Kasa Fue (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Almost 100 years of the Nuremberg stadium

Max-Morlock-Stadion, formerly known as Frankenstadion, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. It was opened in 1928 and has since undergone many upgrades, becoming one of the most important sporting venues in Bavaria. The first major renovation took place in the 1930s, when the stadium was expanded to accommodate more spectators. In 1961, modern lighting was added, allowing evening matches to be held.

At the turn of the 20th century, another upgrade was planned, preparing the stadium for the 2006 World Cup. In 2017, the venue was renamed in honour of legendary footballer Max Morlock. Morlock was a German football icon and a long-time player for 1. FC Nürnberg, who won the World Cup with the German national team in 1954.