Inside Allianz Arena with Stadium Manager Jürgen Muth
High standards and sustainability at one of Europe’s top venues
Allianz Arena is one of the most well-known stadiums in the world. Since 2002, it has hosted some of football’s biggest matches, with FC Bayern Munich at its heart, but also the 2025 Champions League final between Paris Saint Germain and Inter Milan. But behind the bright lights and packed stands is a team that ensures everything is ready, every single match. Leading that team is Jürgen Muth, Stadium Manager.
From the condition of the pitch to long-term plans for energy use, Muth oversees it all. We spoke to him about what drives him, how he makes decisions, and why LED grow lighting technology has become so important, especially in the darker months of the year.
“The pitch connects the sport with the stadium”
For Muth, managing Allianz Arena is about more than keeping the building clean and functional. “The pitch is, and remains, the crucial link between the sport and the stadium,” he says. “A perfect pitch helps the team succeed and prevents injuries.”
Working closely with the stadium’s greenkeeping team is essential. “Their expertise and the right resources are key for top-quality turf,” he explains. “It takes good coordination with the sports staff to respond quickly to any issues.”
When asked what challenges he faces, Muth doesn’t hesitate. “The biggest ones are the weather, diseases affecting the natural grass, and the number of matches and events we host. These are common topics in conversations with other stadium managers as well.”
A clear view on sustainability
Sustainability is a big focus at Allianz Arena. “It’s a fixed and essential part of everything we do,” Muth says. Recent efforts include switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy, installing a new high-performance solar system, and increasing the number of electric vehicle charging stations.
Balancing all this with daily operations isn’t easy. “It’s only possible by constantly weighing up what’s needed and what’s possible,” he says. “But FC Bayern and the stadium are completely aligned on this. We regularly discuss sustainability together.”
LED lighting: tested, discussed, decided
One big decision in recent years was switching to LED grow lighting for the pitch. Muth explains that they only made the change after careful testing. “Before we decided, it was important to test the technical performance on site, both in terms of quality and cost.”
His cooperation with Head Groundsman Peter Sauer was central to the process. “I always consult with Peter and our technical team. His experience and expertise are essential.”
In a stadium like Allianz Arena, light and heat are key to keeping the pitch strong, especially during the darker autumn and winter months. The LED grow lights help provide the right amount of light and heat when the sun can’t. “In these times of the year, using LED grow lights is a big help in maintaining a strong and healthy pitch.”
Looking ahead
Muth doesn’t currently plan big changes to the pitch or the stadium. But he believes the role of stadium managers is changing. “The biggest challenge in the future will be meeting stricter sustainability rules while still reaching the club’s goals and giving fans the best possible experience.”
And for him personally? “The most motivating part is working with a great team to keep Allianz Arena at a high standard, and to lead the way in key areas.”
Case studies
- An enclosed stadium structure with a retractable roof
- Insufficient natural sunlight
- 9x LED440 and 2x LED50
- An enclosed stadium structure
- Cold and dark Bavarian winter months
- 9x LED440 & 2x LED120
- A completely closed stadium
- Growing grass indoor
- 18x LED440, 2x LED120, (1x UVC180, 6x TC50 & 9x TurfPods)
