Fallen German giants plot ‘most extensive redevelopment’ in stadium’s 114-year history

Holstein Kiel have seen better days as a club, and so has their stadium.

But that’s all about to change.

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Well, at least on the stadium front.

The club was one of the most dominant forces in northern German football during the early 1900s.

They won the German Championship in 1912 and the Northern German title six times between 1910 and 1930.

The Storks remained a prominent side as they featured in the first division of German football until 1963, when the Bundesliga was formed.

However, it wasn’t until the 2024-25 campaign Holstein Kiel would taste life in the Budesliga.

Unfortunately for the club, founded in 1900, it wasn’t a memorable adventure as they were relegated.

Although Marcel Rapp’s side are some way off an instant return to the German top flight, it’s not all doom and gloom.

That’s because the club is in line for a major reconstruction of their stadium.

Holstein Kiel has called the appropriately-named Holstein-Stadion home for its entire existence, with the venue built in October 1911.

It has undergone 13 renovations in that time, but none will be quite as spectacular as what has been planned for its latest edition.

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According to the Kiel city website, construction of a new stadium ‘strengthens Kiel’s position as a sporting location and promotes many people’s identification with our city.’

“The comprehensive renovation will create a cohesive, modern structure with a clear architectural signature and maritime references, which will also embed the stadium more visually into the cityscape,” the website states.

“The rib-like roof construction is reminiscent of shipbuilding and thus ties in with Kiel’s identity.

“The renovation of the stadium is an important sign of the further development of Kiel’s sports infrastructure and for the future of the traditional Holstein Kiel club.”

The entire project is estimated to cost €75million (£65m).

According to the city website, €20m will be provided in state subsidies, €20m in private funds, €10m from the city of Kiel and €25m in loans.

Kiel City Council

Kiel City Council

Kiel City Council

The renovations will also increase the stadium’s capacity from 15,034 to 22,087, with approximately 44 per cent of that to be standing and 56 per cent seated.

Architectural firm HPP provided the winning design, which includes a rib-like roof, deemed a nod to the city’s shipbuilding history.

“The comprehensive revitalisation will create a cohesive, modern structure with a clear architectural signature and maritime references, which will also embed the stadium more visually into the cityscape,” a statement from HPP added.

However, it will be some time before Holstein Kiel move into their new ground, as the redevelopment is set to take place over three phases.

The first, which will be the new main stand, is expected to commence at the end of the 2026/27 season, with the entire project due to be finished by the end of 2030.