Lanxess Arena

History

Lanxess Arena, formerly known as Kölnarena, opened on October 5, 1998, in Deutz, Cologne. Built in just 26 months at a cost of €153 million, it quickly became Germany’s largest indoor arena. Since 2008, the naming rights have been held by chemical company Lanxess AG, a partnership extended through 2028.

Description

The arena covers an area of 83,700 m² and is distinguished by its 76-meter-high steel arch, which supports the roof via cable tension. It has a capacity of up to 20,000 for concerts, 18,500 for ice hockey, and 19,500 for handball.

Architectural Features

The landmark feature is the 76-meter steel arch, weighing 480 tons, which was manufactured in Poland and assembled on-site. It gives the venue its recognizable silhouette and also supports the roof structure. The interior is fully modular, allowing for rapid transformations between sports, concerts, and conventions.

What is Lanxess?

Lanxess is a specialty chemicals company headquartered in Cologne. In 2008, it secured naming rights to the arena as part of a long-term partnership that was later extended to 2028. The collaboration reflects Lanxess’s investment in Cologne’s cultural and sporting landscape.

Records

Between November 2018 and May 2019, Lanxess Arena ranked as the most visited indoor arena in the world, surpassing Madison Square Garden. In the 2023–24 season, the venue broke its own record with more than 2.4 million visitors. The Kölner Haie also achieved a European ice hockey record with an average of nearly 17,000 fans per game.