Opening of Sports Facilities at Former Botanical Garden Site
Munich, Germany, is gearing up for an exciting summer as the city prepares to host the "Space for All" soccer tournament to inaugurate its new sports facilities. The tournament, taking place around the main train station, is part of a larger effort to make the district more appealing to residents and visitors alike.
The new sports facilities can be found in the Old Botanical Garden and Karl Stützel Platz, areas that have undergone significant transformation since January 2025. The Old Botanical Garden, once a hotspot for drug sales and violence, has implemented a ban on alcohol, cannabis, and weapons to help reduce crime and create a safer environment.
The "Space for All" tournament is closely linked to the Women's Euro 2025, although the main hosting is in Switzerland. This major soccer event, which began in early July, places a strong emphasis on zero tolerance for discrimination and a focus on human rights. Organisers have taken steps to ensure these values are upheld, establishing a Rights Advisory Board early in the year to oversee planning and operations.
Munich's commitment to tolerance and inclusivity is further demonstrated by FC Bayern Munich's support for initiatives like the "Red against Racism" campaign and active participation in LGBTQ+ pride events. The club has been vocal in promoting equality, diversity, and queer self-determination, even going so far as to light up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours to show support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Germany, with a somewhat renewed team post-World Cup 2023, is a major participant in the Women's Euro 2025. The tournament features top European women's national teams, with Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and others competing. While Munich is not a primary game venue for the Women's Euro 2025, the city is heavily involved in surrounding cultural and tolerance-promoting events connected to football.
Mayor Dieter Reiter of Munich will open three new sports facilities on July 5, 2025, including a street basketball court, a skate park, and a small soccer field. FC Bayern's honorary president Uli Hoeneß will be present at the opening ceremony of the soccer tournament. The first round of the tournament will take place on July 5, with the second round following on July 19, and the final on July 26.
Eighteen teams from various social groups, including the buntkicktgut initiative, the Red against Racism of FC Bayern, and teams from the city council, have registered for the tournament. The pop-up beer garden has already contributed to the upgrading of the Old Botanical Garden, although there is no information about a newsletter offering updates on concerts, contests, or insights into Larissa Lannert Live.
With its focus on tolerance, diversity, and human rights, Munich is set to make a strong statement as a city that embraces football culture and promotes inclusivity. The Women's Euro 2025 and the "Space for All" tournament are just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable summer in Munich.
The new sports facilities in the Old Botanical Garden and Karl Stützel Platz, which include a street basketball court, will cater to various sports such as basketball, besides football, golf, and basketball. The "Space for All" tournament, while primarily a football event, aligns with Munich's commitment to promoting tolerance and inclusivity, extending to all sports and social groups, including the buntkicktgut initiative and Red against Racism of FC Bayern.
