Sports & Convention Center

What echoes louder in the ÖVB Arena? The roar of a cheering crowd or the whispers of history? This very arena, once known as Stadthalle Bremen, has witnessed both. It stands as a testament to Bremen’s enduring spirit, a place where sporting prowess, musical talent, and the exchange of ideas converge. The ÖVB Arena’s story begins in 1961, when Austrian architect Roland Rainer’s vision took shape. The original Stadthalle Bremen opened its doors in 1964. It cost 27 million Deutschmarks and boasted a unique suspended cable roof structure. This innovative design even earned it the prestigious BDA-Preis in 1974. The ÖVB Arena hasn’t just rested on its laurels. It has evolved alongside Bremen. In 2005, a 50-million-euro renovation expanded and modernized the arena, increasing its capacity to 14,000. This transformation, however, sparked controversy. The iconic suspended cable roof was replaced. Architect Rainer was so displeased with the alteration, he requested his name be removed from association with the building. The arena’s identity has also shifted with changing sponsors. From Stadthalle Bremen to AWD-Dome, then Bremen-Arena, and finally, in 2011, to ÖVB Arena. Each name carries a piece of its history, reflecting the city’s growth and changing economic landscape. Within these walls, sporting history has been written. The Six Days of Bremen cycling race has been held here since 1965. The arena also hosted the 2007 World Men’s Handball Championship. Not just athletes, but music legends have graced this stage. Queen, during their 1980 Game Tour, and Depeche Mode on multiple occasions, filled the arena with music. An interesting anecdote involves the rock band KISS. In 1999, during their Psycho Circus Tour, the fire marshal banned pyrotechnics. Defiantly, KISS set off all their planned fireworks at the show’s end, promptly getting themselves banned from future Bremen performances. From sporting triumphs to musical spectacles, from trade fairs to conventions, the ÖVB Arena has hosted a diverse tapestry of events. So, the next time you’re here, amidst the energy of a concert or the excitement of a game, take a moment. Listen closely, and you might just hear the whispers of history echoing in the rafters of the ÖVB Arena.