Frozen in time, the q.beyond Arena stands as a beacon for Hamburg’s sports scene. This multifunction arena located in Bahrenfeld by the Altona Volkspark, near the Barclays Arena and Volksparkstadion, opened its doors on November 1, 2008. It features both an ice rink and a ball sports hall.
For a long time, Hamburg lacked a dedicated arena for ice and ball sports. This arena aimed to provide top athletes in handball and ice hockey a place to train. It also served young talents and the broader community. Construction began in 2007, and after 17 months, the arena was completed. North of the Barclays Arena, a complex arose that met the demands for competitive events. ECE Projektmanagement managed the general planning and project development for the Alexander Otto Sportstiftung.
Originally, the arena was sponsored by Volksbank. However, in June 2018, they decided not to renew their contract. In October 2020, q.beyond became the new sponsor. The arena was renamed q.beyond Arena. The contract was for two years, with an option for two more.
Alexander Otto’s Sportstiftung made the project possible. They provided 15 million euros for planning, construction, and operation. The foundation is the owner and landlord. Revenue from the arena supports sports in Hamburg. The city of Hamburg contributed three million euros and provided the land.
In December 2023, the Alexander Otto Sportstiftung announced its intention to gift the arena to Hamburger SV e. V. because of rising energy costs. Members approved the takeover in January 2024.
The q.beyond Arena covers about 7,000 square meters. It includes an ice rink and a ball sports area. There are two-story outbuildings arranged linearly between them. A central access point sits level with the roofs of the outbuildings. A staircase leads from the parking area to the entrance. The membrane of the facade glows blue and white at night. This makes the arena the largest light art structure in Northern Germany. Visitors enter through the parking area.
The ice rink covers about 2,700 square meters. It accommodates ice hockey, figure skating, public skating, ice discos, and curling. It has a total capacity of 600 people, with 300 seats. The ball sports hall offers training for handball, basketball, and indoor soccer. It has a capacity of 900 people, including 150 seats on retractable stands. Both halls can be rented for events.
The q.beyond Arena also features a sports bar, an ice bar, and a skate rental.
The Hamburg Freezers and HSV Hamburg used to train in the arena. They also had their offices and fan shops here. Besides Hamburger SV at Volksparkstadion, these clubs found a home in Volkspark. The arena also provides training for adult, youth, and professional teams. It offers public skating times.
The arena is used by Hamburger EV and ESC Klein Nordende for curling.
From 2024 the HSV e. V. will convert the arena into a wheelchair-accessible multifunctional hall. The ice rink will be closed in spring 2024.
The q.beyond Arena has been a cornerstone of Hamburg’s sports community. It has fostered athletic development and community engagement. As you stand here, remember the countless athletes and fans who have passed through its doors.