Frankfurt Moves Closer to Building New Multifunctional Arena

FRANKFURT, Germany — The dream of a new multifunctional arena in Frankfurt‘s Stadtwald district is one step closer to reality after the city’s magistrate approved a foundational resolution on Friday. The proposed arena, which could host up to 15,000 spectators, is intended to serve as a new home for the Löwen Frankfurt ice hockey team and the Skyliners Frankfurt basketball team, as well as other major sporting events and concerts.

“This resolution finally creates the basis to move forward with planning and implementation,” said Frankfurt Mayor Mike Josef (SPD). “We are getting closer to the goal that has been envisioned for this site for over 20 years.” The final hurdle is approval from the city council, which is expected to vote on the project during its next session on January 30.

The arena, estimated to cost around 250 million euros, is seen as essential for both teams. The Skyliners, currently playing in the outdated Ballsporthalle, face increasing requirements from the Basketball Bundesliga, which will mandate venues with at least 7,000 seats by 2032. Similarly, the Löwen have struggled with the aging Eissporthalle, which has been deemed unsuitable for the DEL (German Ice Hockey League) standards.

“A new, modern venue is absolutely essential for Löwen Frankfurt to continue offering professional ice hockey,” said Stefan Krämer, managing director of the Löwen. Gunnar Wöbke, managing director of the Skyliners, echoed the sentiment, calling the magistrate’s decision a “milestone” for the team. “One of my biggest life dreams is coming true if the city council also votes yes,” he said.

Mayor Josef, who also serves as the city’s sports commissioner, has been a driving force behind the project. “Frankfurt is more than just a football city,” he said. “We need to improve conditions for other professional sports like basketball and ice hockey.”

The proposed arena would not only benefit local teams but also position Frankfurt as a hub for major events. With its proximity to the city center and the airport, the venue could attract international tournaments and high-profile concerts, boosting the local economy.

For the Skyliners, the arena represents a chance to return to the national and international stage. “With more revenue from VIP guests, advertising, and ticket sales, we could compete at the highest level again,” said Thomas Sulzer, the team’s managing director. “Without this arena, the future of the Skyliners in Frankfurt is uncertain.”

As the city council prepares to vote, fans of both teams are hopeful that the project will finally move forward after decades of delays. If approved, construction could begin as early as this year, with the arena expected to open by the end of the decade.