History
Max-Schmeling-Halle is a multifunctional arena located in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin. It is named after the German heavyweight boxing world champion Max Schmeling.
The Max-Schmeling-Halle and the Velodrom were planned together with the swimming and diving pool Europasportpark (SSE) in connection with Berlin's bid for the Olympic Games for the year 2000. However, the Olympic Committee decided in favor of Sydney as the venue for the 2000 Summer Olympics. As a result, the construction concepts for the Max-Schmeling-Halle and the Velodrom had to be expanded during the construction phase to include the aspect of multifunctionality so that they could be used as multipurpose arenas. Since the arena was originally conceived as a pure boxing arena, there was great consensus among all parties to name the arena Max Schmeling after one of the most popular German athletes of the late 20th century.
The ceremonial opening of the arena took place on December 13, 1996, in the presence of Max Schmeling, and the first events followed in summer 1997.
Architecture
The three-aisle facility is located on a total plot size of 38,565 m², which includes, along with the arena, a VIP lounge, adjacent gyms and various ancillary rooms. The total length of the building is 220 m and facing the Falkplatz the complete north facade is glazed. As a special highlight, a solar power system equipped with 1,046 modules and a total size of 1,749 m² is located on the roof of the Max-Schmeling-Halle. With an average sunshine duration, the annual yield amounts to 220 megawatt hours. This corresponds to the electricity needs of around 110 households. This way, 220 tons of carbon dioxide are avoided annually.
