Tradition and modernity

Stadium construction: combining tradition and modernity

Over recent years, football has experienced rapid change. New arenas that all look alike and have frequently changing names have left football grounds that are steeped in tradition in the minority. Flag wavers, cardboard clappers and goal music – football has become show business. And it is running the risk of becoming interchangeable and indistinguishable.

The decision to modernise the Stadium An der Alten Försterei in traditional style was and remains an attempt to take an original football experience with us into the future. The combination of football tradition and modern professional football, created through a unique joint effort from fans, members, sponsors, partners, staff and directors, is most clearly expressed in the electrifying atmosphere of a Union Berlin home game. And this process is far from over! The new main stand and the fan house will soon round the stadium off, with construction due to start next year.

By building the new main stand, Union Berlin will be bringing the facilities for the club’s own professionals and visiting teams up to the standard expected today in professional football. The facilities for the media and the club’s business partners will also be equally improved. Furthermore, numerous hospitality areas that can be used in a variety of different ways will greatly improve the opportunities for utilising the stadium for functions on non-matchdays. The stand has been designed so that it complements and completes the ground’s unmistakable character. Even after construction of this multi-purpose building, the Stadium An der Alten Försterei will remain a pure football ground with a significantly predominant proportion of standing accommodation and terraces bordering close to the pitch.

The fan house, which will also be built during the next phase of construction, will in future house the ticket office and the club shop. It will also include space for the club’s fan liaison team and a stadium pub. This building will in future act as the central meeting place for Union fans.

1. FC Union Berlin