The Allianz Arena will be dressed in unfamiliar colors this evening. Because blue in Munich is immediately reminiscent of 1860, the sight is likely to astonish many FC Bayern fans.
FC Bayern will light up the Allianz Arena in blue and yellow on 9 May between 8.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. However, the reason has nothing to do with its city rivals TSV 1860 Munich. Instead, the German record champions are taking part in Europe Day and sending out a visible signal for European values.
For some observers, the sight may still seem unusual, as the arena once belonged to both Munich clubs before the Lions sold their shares to FC Bayern for financial reasons and returned to the Grünwalder Stadion in 2017.
According to the report, the Allianz Arena will be illuminated in the colors of the European Union, with blue and yellow stars not representing 1860, but cohesion, peace and the common values of Europe.
„For peace, solidarity and cooperation across borders“
Wolfgang Bücherl, Head of the European Commission’s Regional Representation in Munich, explained on the Allianz Arena’s homepage: „Europe stands for peace, solidarity and cooperation across borders. Especially in challenging times, it is important to make these values visible. The illumination of the Allianz Arena is a strong symbol of European cohesion and a sign of solidarity between the citizens of Europe.“
Every year, Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, with which the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman laid an important foundation stone for what would later become the European Union.
Other Munich landmarks are also taking part in the campaign. The New Town Hall is to be illuminated with an animated flag, the Olympic Tower will also be lit up in the colors of the EU flag. In Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate will also be illuminated in blue and yellow until midnight.
