The 2-day summit is regarded as the main event in the German-speaking sports facility sector and offers a central platform for exchange, networking and innovation. Matthias Schöner, Associate Partner at AS+P, as well as Fabian Schäfer, Associate Urban Planner at AS+P, discussed the meaning of integrated, urban development approaches based on concrete examples – among them sports and culture campus Chemnitz as well as Stadium Oldenburg – in a well-attended panel.

What challenges – but mainly what opportunities – crystallize when smaller cities far from metropolitan areas suddenly take centre stage because of sports accomplishments?

Our main messages:

• Successful professional sports can evoke more than just emotions – it can be a driver of sustainable urban development.
• Holistic, interdisciplinary planning is crucial to connect architecture, use, economic efficiency, and identity
• Individual solutions regarding basic infrastructure, multifunctionality and regional anchoring are key to success

The intensive exchange with operators of the sports and on the operator’s side – among those agents from Chemnitz Niners, Stadiongesellschaft Oldenburg, and Arena Würzburg – showcased the great potential of integrated development strategies.

We would like to thank the organizer and are looking forward to the eps ARENA SUMMIT 2026.