Munich is faced with a decision: Olympic Games 2036 or not?

Munich is faced with a decision: Olympic Games 2036 or not?

Munich is facing a crucial choice: On Sunday, citizens will decide whether the Bavarian metropolis will apply to host the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. After an intensive public debate process, opinions on the matter are divided. Proponents and critics are battling arguments, and the city is under the national gaze as the vote results are expected around 7 p.m. The subsequent reporting will continue on BR24live and in the sports program Blickpunkt Sport from 9:45 p.m., as BR24 reports.

The concept for the application, which was presented by Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) and Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), focuses on sustainability and the use of existing sports facilities. Instead of the large new buildings that are often associated with the Olympic Games, a bizarre 90 percent of the required facilities either already exist or are being built temporarily. This includes the legendary 1972 Olympic Park as well as the modern SAP Garden. In addition, sports facilities such as the regatta course and the shooting range from the 1970s in the surrounding area can be used. This was also highlighted by the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Sustainability and economic prospects

Proponents emphasize that Munich could not only celebrate sporting success through the Olympic Games, but would also bring economic benefits. A study commissioned by the city predicts economic effects in the multi-digit billion range. Nevertheless, the Ifo Institute and the German Institute for Economic Research express doubts about the long-term economic benefits of such major events. The application could also promote a positive atmosphere, as was already experienced at the European Championships 2022, says BR24.

But not all Munich residents support the idea. Critics point to existing deficiencies in local public transport, which are crucial for accessibility to sports facilities. An expansion of the existing infrastructure is considered necessary here, regardless of the Olympic Games. In addition, opponents of the application have already announced a demonstration for May 28th, as the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.

competition for the event

Munich is not alone in the race for the Olympic Games. North Rhine-Westphalia and cities such as Berlin and Hamburg have also expressed interest in applying. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) will decide in 2026 which city will take part in the race. International competitors could be Rome and Madrid. For Munich, broad support from the population would be crucial in order to successfully advance the application, as described in the agreement.

The exact costs for the application are estimated to be between six and seven million euros, which represents a reduction of 75 percent compared to a failed attempt at the Winter Games in 2018. The Olympic Village is to be built in the Daglfing district with around 4,000 residential units, and the plans for various sports facilities include some impressive locations: from athletics in the Olympic Stadium to dressage riding in front of Nymphenburg Palace to swimming competitions in Lake Starnberg and canoe races in Augsburg, like the Süddeutsche Newspaper.

The coming days could be groundbreaking for Munich. The citizens' decision will not only determine the further course of the Olympic bid, but also show how strongly the sporting and social interest in such major events is anchored in the city.