President Herbert Hainer amidst crowds of fans at a lively basketball challenge and as a guest of Munich's Olympic bid committee, proud faces at a prize-giving with Karin Danner on stage and the Alps in the background, taking a stand with ‘Red against Racism’ and exclusive insights behind the scenes of the German champions: there was plenty on offer, especially for the club's members, around FCB Women's 2-0 win over Leverkusen in the Bundesliga opener at the Allianz Arena in front of a record crowd of 57,762 spectators. "It was a day dedicated to FC Bayern and its members," said Hainer, "this match was a statement for women's football - and further proof of how community is lived in our club. The dialogue with our members and fans is very important to us, and we had the opportunity once again for lots of encounters, discussions and joint activities around our FC Bayern."
While two members, Bärbel Glas and Nadine Semmler, had the unique opportunity to look over the shoulder of stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann during an exclusive behind the scenes experience, everything at the club's information stand revolved around the basis of FC Bayern: its members. Anyone who wanted to join could register on the spot, browse through the ‘51’ magazine or, as an adult member, take part in the competition about the FCB Women. The winners, Christian Beer, Leonie Reß and Oliver Steinhof were delighted to be presented with a surprise package containing a sweatshirt from the current members' collection as well as merchandise from the FC Bayern Store, and the prizes were handed over on stage by president Hainer and long-standing department head Karin Danner. "What a day in such glorious weather," Hainer called out to the crowd, while Danner watched on as fans tried their hand at the various have-a-go stands of the FCB basketball and chess departments: "A perfect Bavarian day: here on the esplanade, people in red and white, behind them the view of the Alps!"
Right next to the members' stand, the FCB initiative “Red against Racism” once again sent out a signal in favour of tolerance, diversity and respectful coexistence. Interested visitors had already started to gather around the pavilion from 1 pm. As at the SUPERBLOOM festival in the Olympiapark the week before, the interactive anti-discrimination quiz took centre stage, where knowledge about inclusion and equal rights could be put to the test. Those who did well received an exclusive ‘Red against Racism’ T-shirt. There were also information leaflets, stickers and postcards with a guide on what to do as well as information on the support services available if anyone experiences discrimination. The team on site talked tirelessly with fans and members - openly, intensively and in an inspired manner. The message: FC Bayern embodies taking a stance not only in sport, but also in society.
Hainer also took the opportunity to visit the information stand on Munich's bid for the Olympic Games. “Munich is a city of sport,” said the president: "Our men's football team have been regularly selling out our Allianz Arena since it opened 20 years ago, FC Bayern Women are also setting records, and our basketball team attracts fans in droves to the new SAP Garden and the spectacular BMW Park. Sport unites and inspires people, as we experience at FC Bayern game after game. This is another reason why we as a club support Munich's bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, for which the referendum will take place on 26 October. I was able to experience the 1972 Olympics here and can say: anyone who is a sports enthusiast should not miss out on an event like this and use the opportunity to pave the way for it on 26 October."
It wasn't just Bärbel Glas and Nadine Semmler who experienced on the day that sport brings people together. The two, who had been selected from around 600 applicants to accompany stadium announcer Lehmann also met Germany international Giulia Gwinn, who took time out for a touchline selfie with the pair. Their verdict to sum up this special day: What FC Bayern does for its members is simply marvellous.
Herbert Hainer and Klaus Augenthaler visited the ‘Red Deaf’ fan club to celebrate its 20th anniversary:
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