Berlin's Olympic Games Entrance Secured through Sports Venues Construction

Germany's Olympic Bid: Berlin Aims to Join Munich, Hamburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia (Rhin-Ruhr) in Hosting the Summer Games

In a bold move, Berlin has unveiled its intention to compete for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044, joining established contenders like Munich, Hamburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia (Rhin-Ruhr). The bid, known as "Berlin+," encompasses strategies for utilizing existing sports facilities, renovation, and temporary constructions.

The proposed Olympic concept is structured to incorporate cities like Kiel or Rostock, Leipzig, and Brandenburg an der Havel. Speaking at the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), Berlin's Interior and Sports Senator Iris Spranger expressed confidence in relying on renovation, with any remaining gaps to be temporarily filled.

The City's Olympic Venues

Berlin's central landmarks, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, could serve as an impressive backdrop for beach volleyball, emulating the spirit of the 2024 Olympics in Paris and the 2012 Games in London. Other proposed venues include the former Tempelhof Airport for climbing, 3x3 basketball, and skateboarding, the Museum Island for the marathon, Mellopark in Köpenick for BMX freestyle, and the Glienicke Bridge for road cycling and triathlon competitions.

Additional venues would be hosted in partner federal states. For example, Leipzig would play host to football, handball, canoe slalom, and more in places like the Red Bull Arena, Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Markkleeberg, and Leipzig Trade Fair halls. Sailing is planned in Rostock or Kiel, while golf would be staged in Brandenburg, such as in Bad Saarow. The cooperation extends as far as Aachen for equestrian events.

The Heart of Every Olympic Bid: Swimming Arena

The bid's success hinges on the design of the swimming arena, with Britta Steffen, a double Olympic champion, advocating for a sustainable solution. The proposed temporary swimming arena is slated for the grounds of the Sportforum Hohenschönhausen, while the swimming and diving hall in the Europa-Park, planned for track cycling, proves too small.

Cross-State Collaboration

Berlin's bid is supported by several German states, including Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein. The key objectives include promoting sustainability, utilizing existing infrastructure, and creating unique cultural experiences for the athletes and spectators.

The swimming arena, a crucial aspect of Berlin's Olympic bid, will be designed with sustainability in mind, as suggested by double Olympic champion Britta Steffen. The temporary arena is proposed to be built on the grounds of the Sportforum Hohenschoənhausen, while the swimming and diving hall in Europa-Park, initially intended for track cycling, has been found to be insufficient.

Leipzig is anticipated to play a significant role in Berlin's Olympic bid, hosting various sports such as football, handball, canoe slalom, and more in venues like the Red Bull Arena, Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Markkleeberg, and Leipzig Trade Fair halls.

Berlin's bid extends beyond its borders, with Rostock or Kiel set to host sailing, Brandenburg hosting golf, and Aachen playing host to equestrian events.

Other proposed Berlin venues include the former Tempelhof Airport for climbing, 3x3 basketball, and skateboarding, Museum Island for the marathon, Mellopark in Köpenick for BMX freestyle, and the Glienicke Bridge for road cycling and triathlon competitions.