Hamburg’s Rothenbaum Tennis Stadium has unveiled €10m worth of renovations following the completion of an 18-month redevelopment project.
The home of the annual Hamburg European Open has seen its capacity extended to 10,000 with all existing seats replaced, and new colour schemes incorporated throughout. The number of places for wheelchair users has been increased up to 30 and those for visually impaired people up to 100.
Rothenbaum, which was originally opened in 1892, has also undergone a complete renewal of its roof membrane, with the engine technology of the retractable roof renovated. The arena’s entrance area has been redesigned, while facades have been given an updated look.
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The players’ areas at the ATP World Tour 500 clay court venue have been extensively renovated and modernised, with changes made to the locker rooms, showers and players’ lounge ahead of this year’s tournament, which will be held later in September.
The tournament’s previous Hall of Fame has been upgraded, with a new, digital ‘Walk of Champions’ taking its place. Visitors can use QR codes to find out more about previous tournament winners such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and the tournament’s long history.
“I am delighted with the result,” said Alexander Otto, the business tycoon who provided the majority of the funding through the Alexander Otto Sports Foundation.
“The stadium has been completely renovated and with its now international, modern look, a successful re-positioning of the Rothenbaum brand takes place.
“It is great to see what we have created here as partners. Players and visitors are invited to come and stay at the Hamburg European Open, which is the perfect framework to celebrate the stadium’s inauguration.”
Former winner Rafael Nadal recorded a message in which he described the project as “amazing”.
The project, which was managed by Otto’s company ECE, received €8m of funding from the Alexander Otto Sports Foundation. The City of Hamburg contributed €1m to the renovation of the roof. The German Tennis Federation with its subsidiary DTB Stadion and Marketing, as well as local tennis and field hockey club, Club an der Alster, provided the remaining funds for the project.
Image: ECE
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