Munich Arena Breaks Ground on Germany’s First Arena Built for Live Music
Key Takeaways
Construction has begun on Munich Arena, a new 20,000-capacity venue near Munich International Airport, following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder and Freising Lord Mayor Monika Schwind on October 28.
Designed for live music, the arena will feature a seating bowl bringing 20,000 fans closer to the stage, with acoustics engineered for live music and state-of-the-art production facilities designed to help artists deliver incredible shows.
Opening in 2029, Munich Arena is expected to welcome 1.5 million fans and generate around €355 million in annual economic value for the region, according to Deloitte.
Munich Arena has officially broken ground, marking the start of construction on a new 20,000-capacity venue near Munich International Airport. The arena will strengthen Munich and Bavaria’s position as a destination for live entertainment, by creating a new stage for artists touring Europe.
Built around a “Music First” philosophy, Munich Arena will feature a 270-degree horseshoe-shaped seating bowl designed to bring 20,000 fans closer to the stage. Acoustics engineered for live music and production facilities built for major tours will help deliver an experience tailored to artists and fans alike. The venue will be open to all event organisers.
The arena’s architecture will reflect its Bavarian setting, with a distinctive design inspired by the Bavarian state flag. Sustainability is also central to the design. Solar panels on the roof will power a system that freezes water during the day, with the resulting ice used to help cool the arena ahead of evening events.
Once operational, Munich Arena is expected to welcome around 1.5 million fans. According to Deloitte, it will generate approximately €355 million in annual economic value for Munich and the surrounding region. The project is also expected to create 3,425 jobs during construction.
Monika Schwind, Lord Mayor of Freising, said:
"Today’s groundbreaking is a special moment for Freising. With the concert arena, a project of international radiance is emerging that can sustainably strengthen our city culturally and economically. In the future, we will be able to welcome guests from all over Germany and beyond to Freising. Our local hotels, restaurants, and many other businesses will benefit from this. After years of intensive planning, I am pleased that today we are taking this important step into the future of our city.”
Marek Lieberberg, President, Live Nation GSA, said:
“We are building the Munich Arena for those magical moments of energy and connection that only live entertainment can create. Our ambition is clear: when international tours choose their stops in Germany and Europe, Munich should be the first choice.”
Dr. Markus Söder, Bavarian Prime Minister:
“Bavaria knows how to host major events: The ‘Munich Arena’ in Freising, near Munich, will be a flagship venue - Germany’s largest and most modern concert arena, capable of accommodating up to 20,000 fans. Today, we held the groundbreaking ceremony together with Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann. The Munich Arena fits perfectly with our Bavarian strategy: We want to be leading in high-tech innovation and joy of life. Best of luck with the construction and much success.”
Lorenz Schmid, Managing Partner MUNICH ARENA:
“The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone, the result of a clear vision, entrepreneurial determination and years of sustained effort. With Munich Arena, we are creating a landmark project for Munich and Bavaria that will deliver lasting cultural and economic value while setting new standards for live entertainment across Europe. Bringing this project to life in Munich, which I call home, is particularly meaningful to me. Our focus is now firmly on delivery, with a clear ambition: to open one of Europe’s leading concert arenas in 2029.”