In the Berlin sports park, a spectacular demolition of two 50-meter floodlight masts will take place. The event constitutes a key element of preparations for the construction of a new, inclusive sports complex.

Technical details of demolition

Work will begin at 11:00 AM on February 12, preceded by audible signals: one long warning signal, two short ones before the blast, and three after completion. The noise will reach up to 100 decibels, resembling a thunderstorm or fireworks, but dust will be minimal thanks to the steel structure of the masts.

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The steel masts from 1987, each weighing 39 tons, were erected as part of the renovation for Berlin's 750th anniversary and gave the facility its distinctive look. Out of four, two will be preserved and integrated into the new stadium.

For safety reasons, a wide exclusion zone has been designated covering the entire sports park, the Max-Schmeling-Halle, and part of Mauerpark. Residents may remain in their homes, but the zone area must be vacated by 10:00 AM; the lifting of security measures is planned for around 11:30 AM.

Police will temporarily restrict road traffic, including the operation of the M10 tram line. The masts will be brought down in a controlled manner onto the stadium pitch, posing no threat to surrounding buildings.

© Eike Maschevsky

Planning the modernization of Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark

Conceptual work on the redevelopment of Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark began in 2013. A feasibility study was prepared in 2014 (Büro SportConzept) and subsequently supplemented in 2020 (Drees & Sommer). During public consultations in 2021, the need for accessibility and solutions friendly to people with disabilities was strongly emphasized; at one point, the context of a potential Olympic Games bid (2024/2028) was also considered.

In the architectural competition in 2022, the team of O+M Architekten together with LOR Landschaftsarchitekten won. The new stadium is to retain the running track and the oval layout of the stands (the reinforced concrete ring), as well as a cantilevered promenade and a red, glass facade alluding to the former main stand. The design also includes ramps to facilitate movement for wheelchair users.

Demolition of the stadium began on October 8, 2024, starting with the main stand, and seats from the stands were distributed to residents. On November 4, 2024, works were halted by a court following a motion by NaturFreunde Berlin due to 94 sparrow nests; after implementing compensatory measures (including nesting boxes), demolition resumed on January 27, 2025.

In parallel, the Bürgerinitiative Jahnsportpark initiative collected over 14,000 signatures against the demolition, arguing for the protection of modernist architecture and the environment.

The new stadium is expected to hold approximately 20,000 spectators and meet standards for high-profile events: athletics, football (soccer), and American football. It is to retain the proportions of the previous facility, with video screens in the corners, a preserved fragment of the Berlin Wall, and the characteristic red facade, which will also serve as a noise barrier. Construction is scheduled for 2026–2028, with the revitalization of the entire complex expected by 2030.

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