German 2. Bundesliga football club St. Pauli has secured its long-term future at the Millerntor-Stadion through a new usage agreement that will potentially mean it can celebrate its 200-year anniversary at the stadium.
The club, which has a wide following outside of Germany due to its political leanings and social culture, has played at the 29,500-capacity Millerntor since 1963. A new long-term contract has been agreed between stadium operator Millerntorstadion Betriebs (MSB) and Hamburg authorities.
A letter of intent has been signed through which MSB has been offered a choice between a heritage building rights order or an extension of the current usage contract after its expiry in 2060. This will be at current market conditions guaranteeing usage of the Millerntor until 2110. St. Pauli was founded in 1910.
St. Pauli president Oke Göttlich said: “This development is both a task and a motivation for us to invest everything in a successful future for FC St. Pauli. Our stadium is not only home to professional football, but also a social and cultural centre for members, fans and many other committed people and groups.
“We are happy that we can ensure it remains the same for the next generation of St. Paulians. We are a member-run district association and want to, with the extended right of use, have the security for upcoming strategic projects and tasks.”
Andreas Dressel, Finance Senator of the City State of Hamburg, added: “FC St. Pauli’s Millerntor Stadion is more than just a venue. Over the years, it has become a place of identification with enormous appeal beyond Hamburg’s borders. The club now has a long-term perspective on its location, which provides a valuable basis for further shaping its future.”
Image: FC St. Pauli
Share this