Sketches of stadium seating and design proposals for Munich's new Soccer stadium can be viewed online
To describe Munich as the capital of Bavaria is not wrong, but far better is to describe it as the capital of German soccer. Three national Major League Teams (Bundesliga) — more than in any other city — call Munich their hometown. Today the teams play matches in the Olympic Stadium, designed and built by Behnisch & Partners for the summer Olympic Games in 1972. Soccer fans and clubs have long been in favor of enlarging the stadium and designating it as a soccer-only venue. Mayor Christian Ude, along with conservationists, have strongly opposed the plan because they regard the Olympic Stadium as a fine example of post-modern architecture that should be preserved. However, when Germany was unexpectedly chosen to host the World Soccer Championships in 2006, it became clear that the stadium would need to be extended in order to accommodate more spectators. Plans for the project still have not been decided upon. Two possibilities are presently being discussed: the so-called Ring-Variante (ring variation) and the Schüssel-Variante (bowl variation). The Schüssel-Variante is favored by both the mayor and conservationists. Only relatively small changes would be made, such as removing the track and remodeling the stands. The Ring-Variante is favored by the soccer clubs and the State of Bavaria. It entails dramatic (and expensive) changes being made: a second stand would be erected in the stadium, requiring new roofing, although the current roof would not be destroyed. A decision is expected to be made on November 3. To find out more about the latest plans, visit