Berlin Sports & Outdoors Tips by Gerrem

Home of the final of the FIFA WorldCup 2006 Olympiastadion/Olympic Stadium Review

The stadium is home to Hertha BSC, the Bundesliga soccer team of Berlin.

The refurbishment of the Olympic stadium in Berlin took four years to complete. After building work was completed, the stadium was re-opened with a huge party on July 31st 2004.After building work was completed, the stadium boasted a capacity of 74,500, all seats. During the refurbishment of that area, 80,000 sqm of earth were moved, 15,000 sqm of concrete were used as well as 1800 tons of steel.The highlight of the whole refurbishment of the Olympic stadium was the roof construction, which cost around 26 million Euros…11% of the total budget. The steel construction was covered by two huge membranes, each measuring 31,000 sqm. The upper membrane consists of 76 segments featuring 1158 glass blocks, each of which weighed 200 kg. The roof construction itself is supported by a total of 20 pillars.

History:

Berlin's Olympic Stadium, designed by architect Werner March, was built between 1934 and 1936 for the '36 Olympic Games. 42 million Reichmarks were spent on its construction, which was completed by several hundred different companies. The new stadium replaced the "German Stadium", designed by Werner March's father Otto March. The Olympic complex encompasses hockey, swimming, and equestrian stadiums, as well as a theatre and the oval-shaped Olympic Stadium. If the seats of the Olympic Stadium were to be placed in a row, its length would amount to around 42 kilometers. The symbolism is apparent - the classic marathon run is 42.195 km long. The oval form of the arena is interrupted by the 25-meter wide Marathon Gate, from which one could look out upon the Maifeld and its belltower.

During the Second World War the Olympic Stadium was not spared from allied bombing-raids. Despite substantial damage, a reconstruction was possible, thereby reconfirming the stadium's status as a symbol for the Olympic spirit, unbroken despite the storms of history.

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