Munich before referendum: But the 2036 Olympics finally possible?

Munich before referendum: But the 2036 Olympics finally possible?

The anticipation of the Olympic Games could soon put Munich in the spotlight again. Next Sunday, October 26, 2025, Munich residents will vote on whether the city should apply to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, 2040 or 2044. According to the information from Evening newspaper A referendum could decide the future of Munich, as the city has a long history with the Olympic Games, most recently in 1972.

In the current round of applications, Munich is confronted with other German candidates, including Berlin, Hamburg and the Ruhr area. It is important that for a positive decision, at least ten percent of eligible voters must cast their vote, which corresponds to over 100,000 votes. All citizens aged 18 and over who have lived in Munich for at least two months, i.e. around 1.1 million people, are eligible to vote.

Participation and process of the referendum

Voting will be available at 106 polling stations across the city from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to voting in person, postal voting documents can be posted in certain government mailboxes until Sunday at 6 p.m. The question to voters is: “Are you in favor of the state capital Munich applying for the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games?”

Supporters of the Olympic bid, who received around 48 percent approval in surveys, are in favor of positive urban development and faster implementation of infrastructure projects. In a sustainable Olympic preparation, 90 percent of the competition venues would be within 30 kilometers of the Olympic Village, which promises short distances. In contrast, opponents criticize possible costs of up to 21 billion euros and express concerns about the benefits for popular sports as well as environmental issues, such as the planned mountain bike course at Tegernsee DW reported.

Infrastructure and competition venues in Munich

Another advantage of the Munich application is the existing infrastructure. In contrast to Hamburg and the Ruhr area, which are planning new stadiums, Munich is concentrating on renovating existing sports facilities such as the Olympic Stadium. The athletics competitions will take place here, while trampoline and apparatus gymnastics will take place in the Olympic Hall and handball in the SAP Garden. The regatta course in Oberschleissheim and the shooting range in Garching also need renovations, for which a total of 149 million euros are planned.

Temporary sports facilities are also planned, such as a beach volleyball facility on the Theresienwiese for 15,000 spectators and a center for up to 50,000 volunteers. In addition to this sporting infrastructure, there are also considerations for urban development, which could be accelerated by the games. The plan to upgrade old sports facilities and implement new concepts, such as the “Munich Arena” in Freising for temporary swimming competitions, has received full approval Mercury notes.

A lot depends on the referendum in a few days: the decision could influence not only those in Munich, but also the perspectives of the other German applicants. The Olympic Games could once again become Munich's calling card, while at the same time setting the course for positive urban development.