German arena plans receive huge funding boost

Plans for a new 7,000-cap multipurpose arena in Würzburg, Germany, have taken a major leap forward after the city approved additional funding for the scheme.

Costs for the long-delayed venue, which has been mooted for years and was originally due to open this autumn, have swelled from €51 million to €82m in just three years, amid rising costs.

But last week the city council, which is working with partners including the Würzburg Future Foundation on the scheme, voted 40-5 in favour of providing an extra €18.5m, which would bring its overall investment to around €34.5m, having previously pledged €16m in 2021.

Several private donors have also pledged millions of euros towards the project, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits for the region.

“The multifunctional arena is a milestone for Würzburg,” says Würzburg mayor Christian Schuchardt. “We are feeling great support from society and especially from the business world. I am confident that together we can put the financing on a solid footing and thus realise a project that will have an impact far beyond Würzburg.”

“The city has planned a temporary increase in trade tax as a safeguard”

The Bavarian city will initially guarantee the funds in the expectation that these can be reduced by additional funds from private backers and sponsorship.

“In the event that the financial resources from the business community and sponsors are not sufficient to close the current gap, the city has planned a temporary increase in trade tax as a safeguard,” it adds in a press release. “This ensures that the financing of the multifunctional arena, which is important for Würzburg, is on a secure footing in any case.

“This is expected after construction and start-up in five years. An increase in the rate would only take place if the acquisition of additional funds is not sufficient to noticeably reduce the additional municipal expenditure.”

Currently home to the 4,576-cap Tectake Arena, Würzburg is facing a venue shortage with its 3,000-cap concert hall Posthalle set to close in 2026.

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