Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler provides update on stadium expansion plans
Quick summary
Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler has shared an update on the club's plans to expand the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, addressing capacity and infrastructure developments.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSpeaking 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.
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What happened
Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler has provided an update on the club's long-discussed plans to expand the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, the Bundesliga side's iconic home ground. The expansion project aims to increase capacity and modernize facilities to meet growing demand. Zingler outlined the current status of the project, potential timelines, and the challenges involved. The Alte Försterei has been a symbol of Union's community-driven identity, and any expansion would mark a significant step in the club's continued growth in Germany's top flight.
Chance analysis
Stadium expansion is one of the clearest signals of a club's institutional growth, and Union Berlin's plans for the Alte Försterei reflect the club's ambition to consolidate its Bundesliga status. Increasing capacity would boost matchday revenue and reinforce the unique fan culture that has long defined Union. The project also carries competitive implications, as modernized facilities can influence squad recruitment and commercial appeal. For followers of the Bundesliga, the timeline of the expansion will be worth tracking as a barometer of the club's long-term trajectory.
Union Berlin's long-term home advantage and commercial profile could strengthen once the expanded Alte Försterei is operational, though no immediate on-pitch impact is expected.