Union Berlin’s plans to expand the Stadion An der Alten Försterei to 40,500 seats have hit a roadblock after the Berlin Senate rejected the proposal due to concerns over the club’s traffic and transport concept. The club had envisioned a significant upgrade to its home ground, nearly doubling its current capacity of 22,000 spectators. However, the Senate’s decision has forced Union Berlin to scale back its ambitions.

Revised Expansion Plans

– The revised plan reduces the stadium’s capacity to around 34,000 seats, a significant decrease from the original target.

– The new design will feature fewer standing terraces and more seating areas, allowing the club to generate higher revenues through increased ticket prices.

– Despite the reduction in capacity, the project is still expected to be completed by 2027, with Union Berlin potentially playing home games at the Olympiastadion during the 2026/27 season ¹ ².

Financial Implications

– Union Berlin had allocated over €100 million for the expansion of its entire infrastructure, including the stadium.

– The club plans to raise funds through a new edition of the Alte Försterei share campaign, allowing members to purchase shares at €500 each.

– The share campaign could potentially earn the club up to €60 million, which will be used to support the stadium’s development and strengthen the bond between the club and its fans ² ³.

Challenges and Opportunities

– The stadium expansion plans highlight the challenges football clubs face in densely populated urban areas, where infrastructure, transport, and community concerns can significantly influence feasibility.

– Despite the setbacks, Union Berlin’s president, Dirk Zingler, remains optimistic about the project’s potential to double the club’s revenue and provide a unique atmosphere for fans.

– The revised plan will still feature a unique design inspired by the club’s roots in the nearby industrial district of Oberschöneweide, with yellow clinker brick facades ² ¹.