Construction has started on Munich Arena, a 20,000-capacity venue in Freising near Munich International Airport, following a groundbreaking ceremony on October 28 attended by Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder and Freising Lord Mayor Monika Schwind. The arena is scheduled to open in 2029.
Live Nation, the project’s long-term strategic partner since May 2025, is billing it as Germany’s first arena built for live music. The design, by Populous with Munich-based HENN and Freising landscape architects Latz+Partner, centres on a 270-degree horseshoe-shaped seating bowl intended to bring fans closer to the stage. Acoustics are engineered for live music, and production facilities are built to handle major tours. The venue will be open to all event organisers.
The exterior takes its cue from the lozenge pattern of the Bavarian state flag. On sustainability, rooftop solar panels will power a system that freezes water during the day, with the ice then used to help cool the arena ahead of evening events.
Once open, Munich Arena is expected to welcome around 1.5 million fans. Deloitte estimates it will generate approximately €355 million in annual economic value for Munich and the surrounding region, and the project is expected to create 3,425 jobs during construction.
Marek Lieberberg, President of Live Nation GSA, said the goal is for Munich to be the first choice when international tours plan their stops in Germany and Europe. Lorenz Schmid, Managing Partner of Munich Arena, said the team’s focus is now firmly on delivery, with the aim of opening one of Europe’s leading concert arenas in 2029.
