Stadium Tours

Overview

Stepping into the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, offers a captivating journey into the heart of modern football culture. More than just a stadium, it stands as an architectural marvel and a revered shrine for football enthusiasts worldwide. The Stadium Tours provide a unique opportunity to venture behind the scenes of this iconic venue, offering insights typically reserved for players and officials. Visitors can explore the very spaces where legends are made and history is written. These tours often combine an immersive stadium experience with a visit to the FC Bayern Museum, Germany's largest club museum, enriching the visit with a deep dive into the club's storied past and impressive achievements.

History & Cultural Background

The Allianz Arena's story began with a vision for a new football temple in Munich. After extensive debate, FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 Munich formed an alliance in January 2001 to construct a new stadium, moving away from the idea of redeveloping the Olympic Stadium. A significant public referendum in October 2001 saw Munich's citizens overwhelmingly vote in favor of the new stadium project in Fröttmaning. Designed by renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the stadium broke ground in October 2002 and officially opened its doors on May 30, 2005. It was initially co-owned by both Munich clubs, but by 2006, FC Bayern Munich became the sole owner. The stadium was designed purely for football, boasting a state-of-the-art construction that took less than three years to complete at a cost of 340 million euros.

What Makes It Special

The Allianz Arena is instantly recognizable worldwide for its groundbreaking exterior, composed of 2,874 inflated ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) plastic panels. This innovative design allows the stadium's facade to illuminate in a spectrum of up to 16 million colors, making it the first stadium globally with a full color-changing exterior. During FC Bayern home games, it glows a vibrant red; for neutral events or the German national team, it turns white, and historically, it would light up blue for TSV 1860 Munich. This spectacular visual effect has earned it the nickname 'Schlauchboot,' meaning 'inflatable boat.' With a capacity of 75,024 for domestic matches and 70,000 for international games, it stands as Germany's second-largest stadium. Its steep tiers provide optimal views, ensuring an electric atmosphere for every spectator.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Beyond its striking appearance, the Allianz Arena is a place rich with memorable moments and fascinating details. It has hosted countless significant football matches, including the 2012 UEFA Champions League final. A notable fun fact involves the fastest goal scored at the arena: Roy Makaay found the net just 10 seconds into a Champions League game against Real Madrid in 2007. The stadium is also known for its impressive visitor numbers, attracting around 4 million people annually, surpassing many other German tourist attractions. Fans attending matches contribute to other staggering statistics, consuming over 18 million liters of drinks and 9 million grilled sausages since the stadium's inception. The club's motto, 'Mia San Mia,' which translates to 'We are who we are,' is prominently displayed within the stadium, embodying the team's strong identity and winning spirit.

Visitor Perspective

A Stadium Tour at the Allianz Arena offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at a world-class football venue. Visitors get to walk through the players' tunnel, imagining the roar of the crowd, and experience the atmosphere in the players' dressing rooms. Tours often include stops at the press conference areas and offer a pitch-side view, providing a sense of the scale and grandeur of the arena. Many tours are offered in combination with a visit to the FC Bayern Museum, allowing guests to delve into the club's history, view trophies, and interact with exhibits showcasing its journey from 1900 to present-day successes. The tours are guided and available in multiple languages, with options for individual visitors, groups, and even specialized tours for those with limited mobility. It's advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand.