German regions compete for Olympic hosting rights

German regions are intensifying their campaigns ahead of the September 26 vote by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), which will select the national candidate for the 2036, 2040, or 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In Munich, the PRO Olympia alliance has launched a public countdown at Marienplatz to emphasize the city’s economic arguments and its commitment to sustainability, mobility, and utilizing its Olympic heritage. The initiative aims to highlight Munich as a viable contender for the hosting rights.

Simultaneously, the Rhein-Ruhr region, led by Cologne, is promoting a massive-scale bid. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst stated that the region could host the “largest games of all time,” projecting a record 17.6 million tickets. The Rhein-Ruhr concept relies heavily on existing venues and short travel distances, with 16 cities supporting the bid following successful local referendums.