Monday, 10. November 2025 |
Munich's SAP Garden receives UNESCO architecture prize Prix Versailles
The internationally coveted architecture and design award is presented in collaboration with UNESCO and honors buildings that stand out for their architectural excellence, innovation, sustainability, and successful integration into their surroundings. The building, which opened last fall, was designed by Danish architecture firm 3XN and is operated by Red Bull Stadion München GmbH.
With its nomination in the “World's Most Beautiful Arenas 2025” category, the SAP Garden joins five other exceptional new buildings from around the world, including arenas in China, Japan, France, and the USA. On December 4, the official world ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris will announce which of the nominated sports venues will also receive one of the three world prizes.
An arena that combines architecture, sustainability, and enthusiasm
The SAP Garden, located in the heart of Munich's world-famous Olympic Park, is one of the most modern and flexible arenas in Europe. Since fall 2024, the versatile sports venue has been the new home of four-time German ice hockey champions EHC Red Bull München and a regular venue for games of German basketball champions FC Bayern Munich. In addition, the SAP Garden hosts up to 40 other sports and sports-related events each year, including major events such as the Beckenbauer Cup and the 2027 World Handball Championship.
But the arena is much more than just a venue for top-class sport. Hidden beneath a green hill are three additional ice rinks that are open to the public, connecting the SAP Garden with its surroundings and opening up a wide range of possible uses. Together with the state capital of Munich, which has secured long-term rights of use for the space, the arena is also open to schools, clubs, and recreational athletes. In addition, the junior teams of EHC Red Bull München regularly train and play here. This makes SAP Garden a sports venue for everyone and it has become part of Munich's city life – 365 days a year.
The arena also impresses with its forward-looking, authentic sustainability concept. Its partially underground construction, green roof with photovoltaic system, heat recovery systems, and close connection to public transportation ensure an exemplary low ecological footprint.
The innovative, specially developed grandstand system allows the interior and spectator stands to be flexibly adapted to different sports and events. This means that visitors enjoy optimal visibility and a special experience at every event.
“Part of Munich city life”
Oliver Wesp, Managing Director of Red Bull Stadion München GmbH, sees the nomination as confirmation of the concept: "The nomination for the Prix Versailles is a great recognition and at the same time an incentive. With the SAP Garden, we have created an arena that combines top-class sport, innovation, and sustainability – and which, thanks to its concept, is accessible to everyone. We will probably welcome the millionth event spectator to the SAP Garden this year – a fantastic milestone. In addition, around 150,000 Munich residents have visited one of our three underground ice rinks to date. The fact that people have embraced the venue so positively makes us proud and shows that the SAP Garden has long since become part of Munich city life."
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, explains: "Expectations for these newly opened arenas are high. As investments in the future, they are intended to connect generations, promote international exchange, and facilitate local encounters. Such buildings are increasingly expected not only to blend harmoniously into the city and region, but also to reflect the wishes of the people, inspire visitors, and become part of the cultural heritage. The challenge is great—and human creativity has responded by returning to its original role."
An award with global renown
The Prix Versailles is considered one of the most important architecture awards in the world. Since 2015, in collaboration with UNESCO, it has been awarded annually to buildings that impress with their architectural excellence, innovation, sustainability, and harmonious integration into their surroundings. The awards recognize projects from a wide range of fields – from museums and restaurants to airports and sports venues – and focus on the combination of aesthetics, functionality, and social significance.
Being included in the list of “World's Most Beautiful Arenas 2025” is therefore much more than an architectural honor – it underscores the international significance of SAP Garden as a forward-looking, sustainable, and audience-friendly sports venue.
PRIX VERSAILLES | World's most beautiful arenas list 2025
Xi’an International Football Centre (Xi’an, China)
SAP Garden (Munich, Germany)
Le Colisée (Chartres, France)
Kagawa Prefectural Arena (Takamatsu, Japan)
Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, United States)
Intuit Dome (Inglewood, United States)
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