Frankfurt chief says Deutsche Bank Park has ‘expiry date’ as new stadium plans given 2038 deadline

Eintracht Frankfurt president Axel Hellmann has warned that Deutsche Bank Park has a limited ‘expiry date', with the Bundesliga side targeting a new or redeveloped stadium by 2038.

Initial decisions on the ambitious project are expected in early 2027, with SGE exploring options that could increase capacity to as many as 80,000.

Frankfurt want a new stadium built in time for 2038 or 2042 World Cup

Speaking at a recent club members’ meeting, via reports in Germany, Hellmann stressed that preparations must begin now if Eintracht are to deliver a new venue within the next decade.

The Waldstadion, as it was then known, opened in 2005 ahead of the World Cup in Germany, but the club president believes its useful life will expire around 2035, making long-term planning increasingly important.

The club wants a replacement or substantially redeveloped stadium ready by 2038 at the latest.

The timeline could also align with a potential German bid to host the 2038 or 2042 World Cup, although neither tournament has been awarded to the country.

With the current venue holding approximately 60,100 spectators, Die Adler are considering a potential capacity of between 75,000 and 80,000. However, transport infrastructure could prove a significant obstacle to accommodating larger crowds.

Several options remain under consideration, including adding a third tier to the existing stadium or gradually demolishing and replacing individual stands.

A feasibility study is expected to inform the decision, with the preferred direction due to become clearer in early 2027.

The ambition is to create a modern multi-purpose arena that retains the intense atmosphere associated with Frankfurt while providing more standing areas and greater opportunities to host concerts and other major events.

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Frankfurt’s early planning is sensible given the scale and complexity of a project that could take years to deliver.

A larger, modernised venue could strengthen the club’s commercial position and create additional opportunities beyond matchdays.

However, capacity alone cannot determine success, as transport links, affordability and preserving the atmosphere that makes Deutsche Bank Park special must remain central to any redevelopment.