An extraordinary renovation is in the works at the Allianz Arena. While FC Bayern is on its international break, the NFL is taking over the Munich stadium. On November 15, the Detroit Lions will face the New England Patriots. To host this football spectacle, the home stadium of Germany’s record-holding champion must undergo extensive renovations.
This will be the third NFL game in Munich. Organizers can therefore draw on the experience gained in previous years. Nevertheless, numerous adjustments are necessary to transform the soccer stadium into a fully-fledged football arena.
At least there’s comparatively plenty of time for preparations this time around. Bayern’s last home game took place on October 31, a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund. That leaves about two weeks for the conversion before the NFL matchup. After the football game, however, things will get much more hectic.
Allianz Arena is being converted for the NFL
As Arena Managing Director Jürgen Muth explains, the soccer goals must first be removed. The fences in the north and south stands will also be temporarily dismantled.
The biggest challenge, however, is the size of the playing field. A football field requires more space than a standard soccer field. Even before the first NFL away game in 2022, structural preparations were therefore made to allow the playing surface to be expanded accordingly.
To achieve this, the stands behind the two end zones can be set back slightly. The necessary anchors for the football goals are also already in place.
In addition, the extended playing surface must be covered with natural grass. The traditional advertising banners will also be removed during NFL games.
Furthermore, additional media areas will be set up and more VIP sections created.
For stadium officials, however, the effort is a welcome challenge. “We’re proud to have the NFL back here,” Muth explained.
The arena director also has a clear recommendation for spectators: They should use public transportation whenever possible. Those arriving by car should expect significant delays after the game. Waiting times of around two hours could occur when exiting the parking garages.
Bayern home game creates time pressure
While there are about two weeks available for setup, those in charge will have to work much faster after the NFL game. As early as Friday, November 20, FC Bayern will host 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. That leaves just five days between the two events.
In this short time, the Allianz Arena must be completely transformed back into a soccer stadium.
Renovating the playing field is particularly time-consuming. After the NFL game, a new hybrid turf must be installed, which needs to be ready for play in time for the Bundesliga match.
Work will therefore begin immediately after the end of the game between Detroit and New England.
Despite the tight schedule, Arena Managing Director Muth remains confident. “We know this will work out well in such a short time,” he emphasized.
For FC Bayern, the NFL game thus represents an extraordinary temporary change of venue. While football fans will get their money’s worth on November 15, the stadium staff will then have to win a race against the clock.
Everything is scheduled to be ready again at the Allianz Arena no later than five days later, when Vincent Kompany’s team will battle 1. FC Köln for crucial Bundesliga points.