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13 October 2023 – Duisburg

Renovation of the Regattabahn Duisburg

In August, the Regattabahn Duisburg served as the venue for the 2023 ICN Canoe Sprint World Championships, and now it is getting ready for the next major event that will take place in Duisburg's Sportpark in roughly two years. As part of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, professional student-rowers will gather on the grounds of this world-class facility. On 11 October, Mayor Sören Link gave the go-ahead for extensive modernisation work to meet the high demands of major sporting events.

The renovations are due to be completed in 2025, just in time for the FISU World University Games. In 1989, students from all over the world already came to Duisburg to participate in what was then known as the Universiade (now known as the FISU World University Games). Almost five decades after the construction of the Regatta house and the Grandstand in 1979, it is time for an extensive modernisation that meets today's international standards and the expectations of a sports city," says Mayor Sören Link. "It will be ready for the FISU Games 2025," he assures.

© Ilja Höpping

The total budget for the reconstruction measures is 30 million euros and includes a state subsidy of 12 million euros.  "The first step will be the demolition of the foundations of the Regatta House and the Finish Tower. This will mark the beginning of the major phase of this large-scale project," says Martin Linne, Head of the Department for Urban Development, Mobility and Sport of the City of Duisburg.

Overhead roofing and barrier-free access

Meanwhile, the Grandstand of the regatta course, which offers space for 2.000 spectators, will remain largely intact and undergo a fundamental renovation. In 2025, in time for the FISU World University Games, there will be a new roof that will offer spectators additional comfort. Furthermore, a storage hall for boats and various technical equipment is planned. Once the renovation work has been completed, the Grandstand will also be completely barrier-free.

Visualisation © City of Duisburg / Kemper Steiner Partner Architekten GmbH

Rowing has a long tradition in Germany. Although the sport is not yet compulsory at the FISU World University Games, it has already been held six times, including at the most recent FISU Games in Chengdu, China. A total of 15 gold medals will be awarded in various boat classes and over different distances at Rhine-Ruhr 2025. The competition in rowing will take place between 18 July and 20 July 2025 at the then newly modernised Regattabahn Duisburg.

© International University Sports Federation (FISU)