Spain and England are set to face off in the European Championship final on Sunday, held at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, a venue with a storied past. The stadium, originally constructed for the 1936 Olympic Games, still carries remnants of World War II and its association with Nazi history. Despite its dark past, the Olympiastadion played a role in the rebirth of a democratic Germany post-war, hosting matches during the 1974 and 2006 World Cups.
Adolf Hitler played a significant role in the stadium’s design and construction after the Nazis came to power in 1933. Originally hesitant about hosting the 1936 Games, Hitler saw an opportunity for propaganda and pushed for the stadium’s creation. Designed by architect Werner March, the stadium was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, aiming to impress visitors and create a dramatic atmosphere.
During the 1936 Olympics, the stadium witnessed American athlete Jesse Owens winning four gold medals, challenging Hitler’s beliefs in racial superiority. Despite this setback, the Games also served as a propaganda victory for Nazi Germany. The venue was adorned with Nazi flags, and a swastika was prominently displayed, later removed in 1945.
Post-war, the stadium and its surroundings suffered damage but survived. The British sector took over the stadium after WWII, maintaining military headquarters until 1994. Efforts to preserve the stadium’s history were made, with renovations done before the 2006 World Cup, including adding a roof. Today, the stadium does not shy away from its Nazi past, with information signs placed around the venue to educate visitors.
While some relics remain, like an eagle adorning a pillar, efforts have been made to address the dark history. The stadium’s capacity for the European Championship is 71,000, and despite efforts to inform visitors, many fans are primarily focused on the matches. Some believe there should be more prominent reminders of the stadium’s history and the atrocities of the Nazi era, to ensure visitors are aware of the past as they watch matches, including the upcoming European Championship final.
