20 Facts About Allianz Stadium

Design and Construction

The Allianz Arena stands as a marvel of modern architecture and engineering. Its design and construction were meticulously planned to create a world-class football stadium.

1. The Allianz Arena was designed purely as a football stadium and was constructed in under three years. The foundation stone was laid on October 21, 2002, and the handover from Alpine Bau GmbH was completed on April 30, 2005.

2. The construction cost of the Allianz Arena was approximately €340 million. This significant investment resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that meets the highest standards in football stadium design and functionality.

Capacity and Seating

The Allianz Arena can host a massive number of spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Its seating arrangements are designed to provide the best viewing experience for fans.

3. The stadium has a total seating capacity of 75,024 seats for domestic matches and 70,000 seats for international matches. The capacity can be increased to 75,024 for Champions League matches due to a UEFA pilot project.

Unique Features

From its roof to its lighting system, the Allianz Arena boasts several unique features that set it apart from other stadiums.

4. The Allianz Arena features a transparent roof made of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluorethylene) panels. This unique design allows natural light to enter the stadium, providing excellent visibility for both players and spectators. The ETFE panels also create an intricate pattern resembling a quilt when viewed from a distance, symbolizing unity and team spirit.

5. The Allianz Arena features a sophisticated LED lighting system that consists of nearly 300,000 LED lights. This system allows the stadium to change colors and create different lighting effects, including projecting patterns and images onto the exterior façade.

Sustainability

The Allianz Arena is not just about football; it’s also a leader in sustainability. The stadium incorporates numerous environmentally friendly features.

6. The Allianz Arena is one of the world’s most sustainable stadiums. It incorporates numerous environmentally friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and a state-of-the-art insulation system that reduces energy consumption. The stadium has been awarded the prestigious LEED Gold certification for its sustainable practices.

7. In addition to its LEED Gold certification, the Allianz Arena incorporates various sustainable practices. These include rainwater harvesting, solar panels on the roof, and energy-efficient lighting. These eco-friendly components help reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint and make it a model for sustainable sports infrastructure.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Allianz Arena ensures that all fans, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the matches comfortably.

8. The stadium has more than 25 disabled toilets, including 16 on Level 2, and one toilet for the severely disabled, equipped with a special lifter. This ensures that all spectators have equal access to facilities.

9. The Allianz Arena offers 20 pairs of subtitle glasses for people with impaired hearing. A specially developed smartphone app uses Bluetooth to transmit the stadium commentary to the augmented reality glasses as live subtitles. The text appears in the lower visual field of the glasses, enhancing the viewing experience for all spectators.

Fan Experience

The Allianz Arena is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for fans, both on and off the pitch.

10. The Allianz Arena offers four on-site restaurants, providing a variety of dining options for fans. From traditional Bavarian cuisine to international favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before or after the match.

11. The Allianz Arena is designed to provide an electric atmosphere during matches. The steep seating angles bring fans closer to the action, creating an incredible energy that reverberates throughout the entire stadium. The stadium’s design also includes various public spaces and lifestyle facilities, enhancing the overall fan experience.

Major Events

The Allianz Arena has hosted numerous high-profile events, making it a landmark in the world of sports and entertainment.

12. The Allianz Arena has hosted several UEFA Champions League finals, including the 2012 final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. The stadium’s unique design and excellent acoustics make it an ideal venue for such high-profile events.

13. Although the Allianz Arena has not hosted a FIFA World Cup match, it has been considered as a potential venue for future tournaments due to its impressive infrastructure and capacity.

14. The Allianz Arena has hosted numerous major concerts and events aside from football matches. Artists such as Coldplay, Madonna, and U2 have performed at the stadium, entertaining thousands of fans with their electrifying performances.

Guided Tours and Ownership

Visitors can explore the Allianz Arena through guided tours, and the stadium has an interesting ownership history.

15. The Allianz Arena offers guided tours for visitors. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the stadium, visit the changing rooms, and walk onto the pitch. This allows fans to experience the impressive architecture and learn about the history of the stadium.

16. The Allianz Arena was initially owned by Allianz Arena München Stadion GmbH, a company founded in 2001 by FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich. In 2006, FC Bayern Munich temporarily acquired 100% of the shares after purchasing TSV 1860 Munich’s 50% share. This arrangement was finalized in 2008, with FC Bayern Munich becoming the sole owner of the stadium.

Opening Games and Dynamic Lighting

The Allianz Arena's opening games were memorable, and its dynamic lighting system is a standout feature.

17. The Allianz Arena hosted its first two matches on May 30 and 31, 2005. The first match was between TSV 1860 and FC Nuremberg, which ended in a 3-2 victory for TSV 1860. The second match was between FC Bayern Munich and Germany, which FC Bayern won 4-2.

18. The installation of new LED lighting on the facade began in October 2014. This system makes the Allianz Arena Germany’s first and Europe’s biggest stadium with surrounding outdoor LED lighting for dynamic lighting moods. The new system produces up to 16 million different colors, enabling the finest color nuances and combinations.

Public Spaces and Amenities

The Allianz Arena offers a range of public spaces and amenities to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

19. The Allianz Arena offers a range of public spaces and amenities. These include four on-site restaurants, disabled toilets, and subtitle glasses for spectators with impaired hearing. The stadium also features a variety of food options, including traditional Bavarian cuisine and international favorites.

20. The Allianz Arena offers guided tours when there are no events. These tours provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the stadium, visit the changing rooms, and walk onto the pitch. The stadium also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year, making it a vibrant and dynamic venue for both sports and entertainment.

Allianz Stadium: A Modern Marvel

Allianz Stadium stands as a testament to modern architecture and sustainability. With its unique roof made of ETFE panels, the stadium not only looks stunning but also allows natural light to flood the interior. Its sophisticated LED lighting system can produce up to 16 million colors, making it a visual spectacle during events. The stadium's commitment to sustainability is evident through features like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting, earning it the LEED Gold certification.

From hosting major concerts to being the home ground for FC Bayern Munich, Allianz Stadium offers an unparalleled experience for fans. The guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look, making it a must-visit for any sports enthusiast. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices, Allianz Stadium is more than just a venue; it's a symbol of innovation and excellence in sports infrastructure.