As Europe prepares for one of the most anticipated football tournaments of 2024, all eyes will be on Munich, with the opening match kicking off at the Allianz Arena on Friday, 14 June 2024 at 9pm (CET). There, the iconic Allianz Arena will play a leading role. This architectural marvel, designed by the renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, is more than just a stadium; it is a testament to innovative design and sustainable materials, thanks to AGC Chemicals Europe’s Fluon® ETFE FILM.

A Vision Made Real by ETFE

Completed in May 2005, the Allianz Arena was a groundbreaking project from the start. Located in Munich, Germany, and with a capacity of 75,024 seats, this stadium was the first in the world to feature a fully colour-changeable exterior. This remarkable feature allows the entire facade to light up in the colours of the home team, creating an immersive and visually stunning experience for fans. The fabricator, Seele Cover, utilised AGC’s Fluon® ETFE FILM to achieve this feat, setting a new standard for stadium design globally.

Fluon® ETFE: Enduring Performance

AGC’s Fluon® ETFE FILM was chosen for the Allianz Arena due to its exceptional properties. ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a transparent thermoplastic film that offers several advantages over traditional building materials like glass. Here are some key benefits:

  • ETFE film boasts excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and weather conditions. Its long-term weatherability ensures that the Allianz Arena’s facade remains intact and functional even after 18 years.
  • With a solar transmission rate of over 90%, ETFE film allows ample natural light to penetrate, even allowing grass to grow under the ETFE film, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a pleasant environment for spectators.
  • The anti-stick properties of ETFE mean that dirt and debris are naturally washed away by rain, significantly reducing maintenance
  • ETFE film is much lighter than glass, which reduces the structural support needed, cutting down on both building time and costs. Its flexibility makes it ideal for the inflated cushions that form the stadium’s outer facade.
  • In line with the upcoming tournament’s commitment to sustainability, ETFE film is 100% recyclable. Off-cuts from the production process can be repurposed into other ETFE products, minimising waste.

A Sustainable Legacy

AGC’s commitment to sustainable solutions aligns perfectly with the growing focus on eco-friendly practices in major sporting events. Fluon® ETFE FILM boasts excellent light transmittance, minimising the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy savings. Furthermore, the film’s lightweight nature reduces the amount of supporting structures required during construction, minimising the environmental impact.

A Tradition of Innovation

The Allianz Arena is not just a venue for sporting events; it is a symbol of sustainable and innovative architecture. Even after nearly two decades, the Allianz Arena remains a visual spectacle. As it gears up to host matches in the highly anticipated European football championship this summer, its enduring design, and the versatility of Fluon® ETFE FILM will once again be in the spotlight. The film’s inherent UV resistance and self-cleaning properties minimise maintenance needs, keeping the iconic facade looking its best year after year.

As fans gather in Munich this June, the Allianz Arena stands as a shining example of how advanced materials like Fluon® ETFE FLM can create structures that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible and economically efficient. The legacy of this stadium and the innovative spirit of AGC Chemicals Europe will undoubtedly inspire future generations of architects and engineers.

Looking Forward

AGC Chemicals Europe’s Fluon® ETFE FILM continues to be a material of choice for iconic architectural projects worldwide. From the Forsyth Barr Stadium in New Zealand, to the Californian SoFi stadium in the USA, and the Singapore Sports Hub, the unique properties of this material are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern architecture. As the excitement builds for the upcoming tournament, the Allianz Arena, illuminated by AGC’s innovative ETFE technology, is sure to be a focal point for fans and a testament to the enduring power of visionary design.