Status: 15.01.2024, 14:32 PM
By: Sascha Karowski
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The city hosted the European Athletics Championships in 2002, and now Munich could apply for a World Championships. © M.i.S./Bernd Feil
Munich is said to be bidding to host the World Championships in Athletics in 2029 or 2031. This is what city councillors from the CSU, the Greens and the SPD are demanding.
Munich - The sports city of Munich is making another attempt at a major event. In a joint motion, the Greens, CSU and SPD demand that the state capital should apply to host the World Championships in Athletics - either for 2029 or 2031.
World Championships in Athletics in Munich: European Championships attracted more than 1.47 million visitors
The fact that Munich is capable of hosting major sporting events was last demonstrated in 2022. The European Championships attracted more than 1.47 million visitors to the competitions. Previously, the city had hosted the European Athletics Championships in 2002, and of course the Olympic Games in the Olympic Stadium in 1972.
And the World Cup would also be "a wonderful opportunity to once again present the enthusiasm for sports and the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Park to the world public after the completion of the renovation," says Green City Councillor Beppo Brem. As is well known, the Olympic Stadium is being renovated. Among other things, the operating technology will be renewed. Fire protection is to be expanded, levels one to four are to be modernized, which is important for event operations but also for visitor comfort. From October 2025, the complex will probably be closed for 20 months. Open-air concerts will be moved to the Allianz Arena during this time. The Olympic Stadium is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2027.
The Greens, CSU and SPD agree: World Championships in Athletics should be a celebration for athletes, fans and Munich residents
"The Olympic Park is the Olympic site that has been successfully used for the longest time - and the city is investing considerable sums to ensure that it remains an attractive venue in the future," says Brem. "A World Championships in Athletics would be a sporting event in the spirit of sustainability and, last but not least, an economic added value for the city."
Similar words also come from the CSU. "We expressly support the state capital's bid for the World Championships in Athletics," says Ulrike Grimm. And she hopes: "With a successful World Cup, Munich could once again present itself as a potential host for the Olympic Games. Grassroots sport would also benefit considerably from such an event."
SPD Vice-President Kathrin Abele adds: "The European Championships 2022 were a real summer fairy tale, a celebration for athletes, fans and the people of our city. We want to repeat this at the World Championships in Athletics in 2029 or 2031, then in the renovated Olympic Stadium."