Let there be light! That’s been the phrase on everyone’s lips at the Allianz Arena in recent days as the home of FC Bayern undergoes an update during the summer break. That includes new LED floodlights which will mostly hang from the roof. These will ensure much brighter light than the previous version and also require less electricity to run.
“There will be less light from top to bottom but much more from behind,” Allianz Arena chairman Jürgen Muth explained. The new lamps will also come equipped with entertainment lights which can change colours for special effects.
The largest video wall in Europe
This means that the work can now focus on the biggest project of this summer break. After 12 years of service, the old video walls at the Allianz Arena are being retired and making space for two new ones. These 200 square metre screens – the largest at a stadium in Europe – are twice as big as their predecessors and use the latest technology. “We’re moving into the ultra HD era,” stressed Muth. The substructure in the north stand is ready and the individual LED modules are currently being installed.
As a special service for all fans in the top tier of the north and south stands, smaller screens will also be installed on the back of the video wall so that all highlights and replays will be visible to all. The toilet facilities on level 6 have also been dismantled and are currently being kitted out with new facilities and technology.
Improved security
The 2017 Audi Cup (01-02 August) will be the first chance for fans to experience these upgrades when FC Bayern host Liverpool. It’s not just inside the stadium that visitors will notice improvements, but also outside. To increase security, preparation work was begun in recent days to install security bollards to the north and south of the stadium.
Work in the media areas is also continuing apace. The surface of the TV compound will be covered with a waterproof coating in the final step to prevent puddles forming around the broadcast vans. The stadium experience is set to be improved for all and the board appear happy with the progress. And the fans can now look forward to enjoying the Allianz Arena in all its shining glory once more.
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