Arena was opened for the 2006 World Cup - why Frankfurt is planning another new stadium

Eintracht Frankfurt must build a new stadium – that is one of the first clear announcements from Axel Hellmann in his new role as CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt. At the general meeting on Monday evening in Frankfurt's Jahrhunderthalle, the Eintracht boss explained in detail why there is no alternative to a new stadium for the entire club.

"If we don't start presenting a stadium plan now, we won't have a new stadium in ten years," Hellmann made it clear to the around 1,600 people present and explained: "Stadiums have a life cycle of three decades. The current stadium was opened in 2005 (for the 2006 World Cup, ed.). That's why its expiry date is 2035." Because major projects, especially in Germany, require long start-up times, Hellmann now feels compelled to act.

“Only if we act now will we have a new stadium in 2035, 2036 or 2037,” announced Hellmann. The new arena should be ready by 2038 at the latest. This year or in 2042, Germany wants to apply to host the World Cup, with Frankfurt as a prominent location.

For Hellmann, the new stadium is much more than just a showcase. “Everything we invest in terms of athletic performance essentially depends on the opportunities that the stadium offers us,” he said. That means: According to Hellmann, the entire club's well-being depends on the new arena.

The Frankfurt CEO has a clear message for stadium skeptics: "There are people who say: We have a great stadium. How can you now open a stadium with 75,000 spectators and not put the money into the squad? The assumption that we would save on the squad in order to finance any stadium plans is absurd. These are completely different financing pots."

There would be potential for 80,000 spectators

Deutsche Bank Park currently holds 60,100 spectators. The Frankfurt boss is still leaving it open how many fans will fit in the new home stadium. Even up to 80,000? "We undoubtedly have the potential for this. But we also have to see what is feasible in terms of traffic," said Hellmann, admitting fan concerns about arrival and departure.

Questions regarding building permits and exact financing have not yet been clarified. Whether Eintracht will add a third ring to the existing stands or gradually tear down stands and rebuild them completely will be clarified at the beginning of 2027. The association is currently waiting for the results of a commissioned feasibility study.

But the goal is clear: Hellmann wants a football cauldron with more standing room than before, but at the same time one of the most modern multifunctional arenas in Europe for concerts and events. According to Hellmann, the Hessians already have the “most successful arena in Europe” after Wembley Stadium in London.