Future of FC Bayern slowly taking shape

Work on FC Bayern’s performance centre and pitches is clearly progressing. Whilst the laundry is already back in full operation and the new changing room areas are gradually being occupied, the training pitch on Säbener Straße is being given the finishing touches: state-of-the-art machines are incorporating synthetic fibres into the natural grass, thereby creating durable hybrid pitches of the highest standard. fcbayern.com has the latest updates on the construction progress:

First-team performance centre: New sections already up and running

Work on the extension to the first-team performance centre at Säbener Straße has made significant progress since construction began in early June. Over the past few weeks, the ground floor has been connected to the existing part of the building. Despite the ongoing construction work, the project has largely been integrated into training and match operations. Whenever the players get to work on FC Bayern’s training pitch, construction on the building is paused – but the extension and refurbishment work inside the building does continue. Thanks to the flexibility of the construction firms involved, it has been possible to proceed at an extremely rapid pace and remain on schedule.

Nostalgic stone sink incorporated into the laundry room

One key area is already fully operational again: the laundry is running at almost full capacity. Once the extension is complete, there will be significantly more space and improved logistical processes here. The team’s kit and equipment can be prepared in the basement and transported directly to the team coach via a new goods lift, which is currently being installed. This will eliminate the need for the time-consuming transport route previously required through narrow corridors and passenger lifts. An almost historic stone sink has been incorporated, in which Bayern legends from past decades used to wash their football boots.

The changing rooms and wet areas are also taking shape. The coaches’ changing rooms are being extended and the new shower areas will be connected to the existing part of the building. On the ground floor, a new preparation kitchen for nutritional advice and a conference room for the coaching staff are also being built. In the so-called ‘Fuel Station’, shakes, drinks and individually tailored snacks for the players can be prepared and packaged in future. The conference room is situated right next to the entrance to the training pitch, enabling the coaching staff to discuss situations with the squad immediately before or after training.

Rehab and fitness areas being expanded

Whilst work on the ground floor is well advanced, the next major phase of construction is set to begin on the upper floor. A wall has already been removed there to connect the existing physiotherapy area with the new building. At present, the physiotherapists are still working in a smaller section of the area, whilst work is continuing on the other side of the dust screen.

The integration of the existing facilities and the new building is scheduled to take place around the next international break in mid-November. Afterwards, some of the work will continue whilst the club remains in operation. For the team, the refurbishment will mean slightly less space for the time being. However, once the work is complete, the rehab and athletics areas will be significantly larger and can be used as a single, connected space. This will create better conditions for individual training, group athletics sessions, performance diagnostics and rehab areas for injured players.

The first-team performance centre extension is still scheduled to be fully completed this winter. Ideally, the interior should be largely ready for use before Christmas. Work is expected to continue until the end of January, by which time the final touches to the façade, outdoor areas and infrastructure will have been completed.

Training pitches: Hybrid turf merged with natural grass

Progress on the training pitches can also be clearly seen. A large proportion of the interconnected, expansive training pitches in the south are already ready for use. The pitches are currently being fitted with modern hybrid turf systems, new drainage, undersoil heating and a turf quality adapted to the conditions at the Allianz Arena. The fundamental infrastructure work is largely complete. The main focus now is on integrating the natural grass surfaces with the incorporated synthetic fibres to form a resilient unit. The finished surfaces are being rolled, mown and fertilised so the natural grass grows as quickly as possible and binds with the artificial fibres. Only once this process has progressed sufficiently will the pitches be ready for full and permanent use.

A central section will also be retained as a paved service area. Beneath this lie technical installations such as pumps, drainage systems and wells. These areas must remain accessible for servicing and maintenance work. Undersoil heating has been installed across the entire playing surface. The goalkeepers’ area in the south-east can also be used for training with immediate effect. In addition to the final work on the pitch surfaces, various infrastructure improvements are still to be carried out. These include paving work, the completion of individual connections and the installation of advertising hoardings. If everything goes according to plan, the area – which is currently still dominated by construction machinery – is due to be largely cleared and approved for use by the end of October. A further two to three weeks will then be set aside to wrap up the project.