A feasibility study is to be carried out to explore a potential redevelopment of Max-Morlock-Stadion in the German city of Nuremberg.
The 50,000-seat stadium opened in 1928 and serves as the home of 1.FC Nürnberg, which plays in the second-tier 2.Bundesliga. It was last renovated 30 years ago and the city has this week detailed plans to improve the stadium, which it feels “no longer meets the needs and expectations” of people who use it.
The city said it is expecting to invest up to €30m (£25.1m/$34.4m) in the stadium over the next 10 to 15 years. Stadium operator Frankenstadion Nürnberg (FSN) will assess the findings of the feasibility study and present them to the city council and the public before deciding on further action.
The stadium was used as a host venue during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, but will not be used during the country’s staging of the UEFA European Championship in 2024.
In a statement released this week, the city said that its unsuccessful application to host Euro 2024 matches shows that Max-Morlock-Stadion is being left behind by more modern stadiums.
Mayor of Nuremberg Marcus König said: “Our stadium is an important symbol of the sports city of Nuremberg far beyond the city limits – both sporting and emotionally. We now have to advise how we want to set the course for the future of the sports facility and the surrounding area.”
Christian Vogel, first plant manager of the FSN, added: “It is now time to consider whether one is investing more and more millions in the maintenance of the existing stadium, or whether one is taking the many renovations as an opportunity to increase.
“Consider this: Where do we want to go with the stadium and the stadium area in the future? How can the stadium become more attractive for FCN and its fans, but also for other events? How can we meet modern demands for sustainability, accessibility and digitisation? I want to do that by submitting a comprehensive proposal for an analysis and decision-making process to the city council on January 26.”
1.FC Nürnberg will be involved in the consultation process. The city said the location of the stadium is not an issue, with plans set to focus on modernising the venue and developing a potential sports district.
König added: “This process is important for our city and offers huge opportunities for the stadium and the entire district. If the city council agrees, we will approach this project using the proposed process. We will bring in experts, discuss the stadium in the city council and exchange ideas with the FCN, the stadium environment and other stakeholders. But we will of course also question the citizens and fans.”
Image: City of Nuremberg
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