Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit 2025, we caught up with Jan Gumbert, Arena Project Lead at Sportpark Stadion Frankfurt (SSF).
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Frankfurt and owns Deutsche Bank Park, the home of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt. SSF is currently overseeing plans for a new multi-purpose arena next to Deutsche Bank Park, and in July the company launched a tender process to secure a project manager for the facility.
The new arena will serve as the home venue for Basketball Bundesliga club Skyliners Frankfurt and Deutsche Eishockey Liga team Löwen Frankfurt. The arena is set to seat between 12,000 and 13,000 fans for sports events, with capacity rising to 15,200 for concerts.
TheStadiumBusiness: What is the current focus for Sportpark Stadion Frankfurt from a development perspective?
Jan Gumbert: “We have recently completed the feasibility study, secured political approval for the arena project, and commissioned project management. We are now advancing the planning phase, which covers both the new arena and the associated mobility concepts. Internally, we have also expanded our team to strengthen project delivery and coordination across all areas.”
TSB: What is the current status of the project, and what are the next steps?
JG: “The new arena on P9 and the improvement of transport connections are currently the major focus areas. Construction work related to the new RTW train line, which will include a stop at the stadium, is already underway. In parallel, preparations are being made for the tendering of a general planner who will be responsible for developing the functional performance specification.”
TSB: What are the most interesting, or challenging, aspects of the project?
JG: “One of the key challenges is the parallel operation of the new arena and the existing stadium. Coordinating both venues in terms of event scheduling, logistics, and visitor management requires careful planning. In addition, we are exploring different approaches to the hospitality areas and developing tailored usage concepts to ensure both facilities complement each other while offering unique experiences.”
TSB: What are you looking forward to most about TDS25?
“We are looking forward to exchanging insights with fellow industry professionals, exploring new technologies and operational innovations, and benchmarking our plans against global best practices. TDS25 is a great opportunity to gain inspiration for our upcoming projects and connect with key stakeholders from across the industry.”
Join Jan, and 500-plus experts in design, engineering and delivery from around the world, only at #TDS25 on December 10-11 in Manchester.
Share this