Allianz Arena

The stadium replaced the ageing Olympiastadion as Munich's main football venue, providing a purpose-built modern facility at the start of the twenty-first century.

Construction and opening

Designed by Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, construction ran from 2002 to 2005. The stadium officially opened in 2005. Its signature feature — the outer skin made of ETFE inflatable cushion panels — was unprecedented at the time. The panels can be illuminated in different colours, making the building a visual landmark visible from the motorway.

Major renovations

Subsequent upgrades focused on LED lighting technology, allowing the facade to be lit in white for German national team matches, red for FC Bayern, and blue for the former co-tenant TSV 1860 Munich (which later departed).

Notable moments

The 2012 UEFA Champions League Final was one of the most extraordinary events in the stadium's history: FC Bayern Munich played the final on their home ground but lost to Chelsea in a penalty shootout. The stadium also hosted several matches during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including a quarter-final.

Allianz Arena generates an intense matchday atmosphere, amplified by the stadium's enclosed bowl design and the passion of FC Bayern Munich's global fanbase.

Fan culture

The Südkurve (south stand) is the heartbeat of the stadium — an active supporter section filled with flags, banners, and continuous chanting throughout the match. Bayern's supporters draw from a deep local base in Bavaria as well as an enormous international following, meaning the stands are always packed. Matchday begins well before kick-off when the ETFE facade glows red across the Fröttmaning Heath, a visual signal visible from the motorway that has become a ritual marker for fans heading to the ground.

Big matches

The 2012 Champions League Final remains the stadium's defining night — Bayern lost a penalty shootout to Chelsea on home soil in one of the most dramatic finals in the competition's history. Allianz Arena regularly hosts high-stakes European nights that draw supporters from across the continent. The 2006 FIFA World Cup brought global attention, with the stadium hosting matches including a quarter-final. Each European knockout fixture fills the arena to capacity and creates an atmosphere that ranks among the loudest in continental football.

Getting to Allianz Arena is straightforward thanks to Munich's efficient public transport network, but planning ahead is essential for sold-out Bayern matches.

How to get there

• U-Bahn (metro): Line U6, station Fröttmaning — direct connection from Munich city centre, approximately 20 minutes
• Car: Motorway A9, exit Freimann; extensive car parks available but fill up quickly on matchdays
• On foot: About 10 minutes' walk from Fröttmaning station along a signposted route

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for FC Bayern are sold via the official club website. Popular fixtures sell out weeks in advance. Guided stadium tours are available, covering the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, and stand access — bookable online or at the stadium box office.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off; queues at turnstiles can be long
• What to wear: Comfortable shoes; red is the colour of choice for Bayern matches
• Food and drink: Good range of kiosks and food stands inside the concourse; options outside the stadium are limited