Nuremberg Plans Full Renovation of Max-Morlock-Stadion, Aiming for 2032 Completion

Nuremberg is moving forward with plans for a complete overhaul of the Max-Morlock-Stadion, the home ground of second-division football club 1. FC Nürnberg. The proposed renovations, designed by a Stuttgart-based architectural firm, aim to transform the venue significantly. Key changes include the removal of the athletics track, repositioning the stands closer to the playing field, and creating more fan-friendly spaces. The plans also incorporate improved conditions for security personnel and the addition of a 'Club' museum.

The city council is scheduled to vote on the proposals on July 22, which will determine if the project can proceed. The redesigned stadium is expected to maintain a capacity of around 50,000 spectators, with 40,000 seats available for international matches. Nuremberg hopes this upgrade will position the city as a potential host for a future German World Cup.

If realized, the renovation could become one of the most expensive stadium projects in Germany's history, with current estimates at a minimum of 200 million euros. This figure rivals the cost of the Allianz Arena in Munich, which was built for 340 million euros. The city of Nuremberg will own the stadium, with 1. FC Nürnberg serving as the primary tenant. However, the specific funding and operating model for the new stadium are yet to be finalized.

The new venue, intended for use in corporate events and concerts as well as football matches, is slated for completion in 2032. During the construction period, 1. FC Nürnberg would need to play its home games at an alternative venue, with the city considering the construction of a temporary stadium. The stadium, currently named after the 1954 World Cup hero Max Morlock, has a history dating back to the 1920s and has undergone several modernizations, including a significant renovation for the 2006 World Cup.