Berlin is gearing up to make a fresh attempt at hosting the prestigious Olympic Games, possibly to coincide with the centennial celebration of the infamous 1936 Games that took place under Nazi rule. On Tuesday, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner is set to unveil these ambitious plans at the iconic Olympic Stadium, with the collaboration of four additional German states.
An announcement circulated on Friday revealed the upcoming presentation, though it remained ambiguous about which specific Olympic edition the city is aiming for. The nearest opportunity would be the 2036 Games—the 100th anniversary of the Berlin Olympics. Nevertheless, the German Olympic Sports Confederation has also indicated the possibility of targeting the 2040 Olympics.
With Los Angeles and Brisbane already confirmed to host the 2028 and 2032 Olympics respectively, Berlin will need to present a compelling case to secure the bid. Support from Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein will play a crucial role, as these states are set to hold events alongside Berlin.
Berlin’s Olympiastadion, known for its historical significance, was initially constructed for the 1936 Olympics. Adolf Hitler was notably involved in its design and development after the Nazi party rose to power in 1933, following the city’s selection to host the Games. Despite his initial lack of enthusiasm, Hitler was swayed by the potential propaganda advantages, which led to the creation of the nationalistic epic, “Olympia,” by filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl.
Today, the Olympiastadion remains a vibrant sports venue, having recently been the battleground for a European Championship finale clinched by Spain over England. It also serves as the home ground for Hertha Berlin’s football matches. This weekend, it will set the stage for the German Cup final between Stuttgart and Arminia Bielefeld, continuing its legacy as a central hub for major sporting events.