Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler provides update on stadium expansion plans
Following the announcement that Union Berlin's Stadion an der Alten Försterei will undergo an expansion, club president Dirk Zingler has provided a concrete timeline for the project.
Speaking at Union’s annual general meeting on 3 September, Zingler highlighted some new logistical details concerning building work, planning approval and temporary accommodation.
As per the current roadmap, the finalisation of expert surveying reports and the implementation of the resulting conservation measures are due to be completed in autumn 2026. Planning approval is then expected to be scheduled for autumn 2027, with the building permit to follow in winter 2027, before demolition work can start between late 2027 and early 2028.
The construction period’s duration is estimated to last around 18 months, before Union can return to the Alte Försterei in summer 2029, with the upgraded development plans foreseeing a jump in capacity from the current 22,000 to almost double at 40,500 - with that total including 32,500 standing places.
“With each passing day and with every piece of feedback from our experts and the responsible authorities, we know more and can now start to firm up our planning. The scale and complexity of the entire project require precise planning in every respect. That applies to the actual planning of the construction, just as much as to the construction process itself and the financing,” explained Zingler.
“We have paid close attention to this in the previous construction phases, and we will do the same with the scale that now lies ahead. We all need to be aware that accuracy takes precedent over speed here.”
While the Köpenick-based stadium and the area surrounding it undergo this significant rejuvenation project, the club has confirmed that Union will be accommodated by local rivals Hertha at the Olympiastadion, which will serve as Die Eisernen’s temporary home ground during the 18-month period.
Zingler’s tone was one of excited optimism when he said of this decision: “We see the temporary move to the Olympiastadion as a great opportunity. Union supporters will once again be able to bring their families and friends. And we can win over new people for Union who previously had no chance to get to know us. Let’s make the most of this opportunity together.”
