Munich ready for the Olympics: referendum decided on October 26th!

Munich ready for the Olympics: referendum decided on October 26th!

On June 1, 2025, the Bavarian politicians Markus Söder, Joachim Herrmann (both CSU) and Mayor Verena Dietl (SPD) presented the application concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Under the motto “Munich ready for the Olympics”, the city presented its concept, which is based almost entirely on existing sports facilities. Dietl emphasized that 90 percent of the required systems already exist, which is a strong argument for the application. Nevertheless, the discussion about the credibility of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the assessments of skeptics continues. These are less directed against the content of the concept, but rather against trust in the IOC itself. According to South Germans The referendum on the Olympic bid is scheduled for October 26, 2025.

The Olympic bid applies to the years 2036, 2040 or 2044, although citizens can also vote on the desired year. City of Munich has presented a comprehensive information concept to provide the population with detailed information before the referendum. This makes it transparent regarding the implementation and preparations. There is also a clear commitment to sustainability. Mayor Dieter Reiter points to the existing infrastructure that has been established since the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

Sustainability and infrastructure

The concept envisages that almost 50 percent of the competitions take place in the central Olympic Park. Using existing sports facilities not only minimizes the ecological footprint, but also reduces costs. According to the city, new temporary halls and event areas are to be built, including on the Munich Trade Fair grounds and in the English Garden. Integrative approaches are also in focus: the Paralympic Games are intended to promote inclusion and enable cooperation in sport. TZ highlights that Munich proudly positions itself as a “Green Host City”.

The city council voted in favor of the application, but there were also critical voices warning of possible high costs and negative effects on the cost of living in Munich. The application costs are estimated at around 6 to 7 million euros, while the implementation of the referendum is expected to cost around 5 million euros. However, Mayor Dietl is optimistic that 95 percent of the costs for the major event can be covered by private sources.

Looking into the future

What happens after the games? The planned Olympic Village in Munich's northeast will provide space for 18,900 athletes and carers and will be converted into a climate-neutral urban district with 4,000 apartments after the Games. Here the city is relying on reuse that is sustainably integrated into Munich's urban development. Investments in local public transport and climate protection measures are also part of the plan.

The concept will now be subjected to a sports examination by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), which will take place by September 2025. It will ultimately be decided in autumn 2026 which city will be in the running for Germany. Munich has developed a good starting position with its history and the existing sporting infrastructure, and Söder is confident about the outcome of the referendum.