The revamped An der Alten Försterei will have a smaller capacity than initially planned – at least for now. The club and local politicians are working on a compromise to finally launch the long-awaited redevelopment.

Almost 6,000 fewer seats than planned

Union Berlin originally aimed to expand the stadium from 22,012 to 40,500 seats, with two-thirds being standing terraces – more than in any other German ground. That plan has now been scaled back. The stadium’s structure will remain unchanged, with the lower tier entirely standing, but the upper tier will feature four seated sections instead of two. The final capacity will therefore stand at 34,500 – with 18,800 standing and 15,700 seated.

Club president Dirk Zingler explained that the main reason is the transport situation, as the surrounding infrastructure cannot handle 40,500 fans. We tried to solve it with a bus shuttle concept, but in the end that idea was rejected, he said. Berlin authorities want to base fan transport on future railway upgrades, which will take years. Zingler stressed that the club cannot postpone construction until those projects are complete, so a compromise had to be made.

© 1. FC Union Berlin | Design of Alte Försterei

Fan input also played a role, as many members and supporters’ groups highlighted the need for more seats – both for older fans and for younger ones who cannot stand through an entire match.

The 40,000-seat option has not been ruled out entirely. We are building the stadium according to the original plan, but installing seats in two additional sectors instead of standing terraces. If transport infrastructure improves, this can always be changed, Zingler explained. Mayor Oliver Igel agreed, reminding that the stadium has already changed several times and that this expansion will not be the last. Key projects – the upgrade of Köpenick station into a regional hub and the construction of the new Pyramidenbrücke – are not expected to be ready before 2028.

© 1. FC Union Berlin | Design of Alte Försterei

Political reaction

Berlin mayor Kai Wegner confirmed he had discussed the reduced capacity with Zingler. We want to create sensible conditions for our Bundesliga club together. This is not a fight, but cooperation, for which I am grateful, he said. Treptow-Köpenick district mayor Oliver Igel admitted he regretted the downsizing but acknowledged that Union had to pull the safety brake to move the project forward.

Despite the changes, Union plans to keep its schedule. The new plans must go through the administrative process again, but the club expects swift approval. According to Zingler, work is set to begin in 2026. During the rebuild, the team will temporarily move to the Olympic Stadium before returning to the new Alten Försterei a year later.