I remember the Olympic Stadium from when I was a wee young lad. Watching Klaus Augenthaler smashing in long shot goals from the center circle. Only to be surpassed by Bernd Schuster in that very same art. This venue always stood out for it’s organic and futuristic architecture. Very simple and transparent. The architect Frei Otto was know as the tent architect, due to his tireless research within lightweight structures. I recall a story about Frei Otto (the architect behind), making models of the Olympia Stadion with knitting needles and his wife’s nylon stockings. 

What I truly admire about the Olympia Stadion, is the connection with it’s surroundings. It is a part of the Olympic village and park, build for the Olympic games in 1972. It is located in walking distance from the city center. Football has changed massively the recent decades. I fully understand the calculation today. When Bayern played their last Bundesliga home fixture at the Olympia Stadion the 14th April 2005, a 6-3 victory against FC Nürnberg - they moved into a stadium, not only serving as a better place to view football, but also able to create a match day conversion that justify them Kanes and Sanes. 

The empty stadium is indeed a special place to be. As a photographer I get the opportunity to slowly move around. Observing. Looking for the angles and details that might not be visible during the game. It is a constant composition game in my head. The empty stadium has so much tension to it. The sleeping arena - waiting for it’s actors and audience. A deep contrast to what has happened, and what is going to happen. 

Made in collaboration with Football Case Study.