Union Berlin and Berlin Senate Approve Revised Stadium Expansion Plan for An der Alten Försterei.

Roger Hampel

Image: 1. FC Union Berlin

The Berlin Senate and 1. FC Union Berlin have reached an agreement on the next stage of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei expansion project, approving a revised plan to initially increase capacity to 34,500 seats instead of the originally planned 40,500. The adjustment, which follows the approval of a new traffic management concept, allows the development process to move forward.

Updated Capacity Plan and Urban Development

According to the joint statement from the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing and the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment, the revised proposal was submitted by Union Berlin and has been formally endorsed.

The approved plan enables the Bebauungsplanverfahren (urban development and building plan process) to enter the next stage, clearing the way for continued project planning and execution. Both the club and the city authorities maintain the shared objective of eventually achieving the full 40,500-seat capacity in a later construction phase.

Senate and Club Statements Union Berlin

Ute Bonde, Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection, and Environment, said the compromise reflects the collaborative spirit between the city and the club:

“Union Berlin’s sporting success reaches far beyond the city’s borders. The club deserves a first-class stadium that can host international opponents in an appropriate setting. We have found a viable compromise on the traffic concept, which allows the planning and implementation to continue. The target of reaching 40,500 seats remains on the table.”

Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Building, and Housing, added:

“Union needs a Bundesliga-standard stadium — that is not in question. Berlin will continue to support the club’s self-financed expansion project, which will allow more fans to attend. The club has made significant concessions to reach this compromise, enabling the planning process to progress quickly.”

From the club’s side, Dirk Zingler, President of 1. FC Union Berlin, welcomed the Senate’s approval but emphasized that the reduction is temporary:

“We appreciate the Senate’s swift and positive response to our proposal. The temporary reduction in capacity is difficult, but we need to move forward quickly to remain competitive. Our long-term goal remains a 40,500-seat Alte Försterei, even if that is achieved in a later phase.”

Strategic and Economic Context

The expansion of the Stadion An der Alten Försterei has been one of Berlin’s most discussed urban sports infrastructure projects in recent years. The development aims to modernize the venue to meet Bundesliga and European standards while maintaining its distinctive character.

The traffic and access plan was a central point of discussion, with local authorities initially rejecting earlier versions. The new compromise — focusing on public transport access and controlled parking solutions — was key to unlocking the next stage of approvals.

The project, which remains self-financed by the club, is expected to enhance Union Berlin’s commercial and matchday operations, allowing for higher revenue generation from ticketing, hospitality, and events once complete.

Next Steps

With the Senate’s approval of the updated capacity and traffic plan, the urban planning process will now advance. Both the city and the club confirmed their shared intention to continue working toward the original full expansion goal, reflecting Union Berlin’s sustained growth and long-term sporting ambitions.