Cottbus is pushing for stadium renovation: a clear no” for the 2nd league!

Cottbus is pushing for stadium renovation: a clear no” for the 2nd league!

In the three-way battle for a return to the second division, FC Energie Cottbus is in second place in the third division and is now pushing for quick action regarding its dilapidated LEAG Energie stadium. Coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz recently took issue with the conditions at his team's home stadium. He complained that the lawn was in a “catastrophic” condition and that the pitch was not properly maintained. The stadium has not been suitable for the 2nd league for eleven years, which Cottbus President Sebastian Lemke made clear in a recent press conference. He noted that in the current situation the club cannot obtain a license for the higher league and the condition of the stadium jeopardizes this promotion.

As part of the press event, FC Energie Cottbus presented concrete renovation plans. These refer to funding opportunities through the federal STARK program. Lemke emphasized that it is important to increase the pace of implementation of the stadium projects in order to make Cottbus a professional football location future-proof. The club has already commissioned a concept study on sustainable site development and economic feasibility, which focuses not only on the stadium itself, but also on the surrounding urban and natural environment.

A mood of optimism in the stadium

Those responsible at FC Energie Cottbus see the stadium not just as a venue, but as an important source of identity and community for the region. The importance of the LEAG Energie Stadium cannot be overestimated, as it reflects the history and pride of the city. Wollitz and Lemke agree that the club must realize its ambitions for more than just the third division place. Without modernized stadium infrastructure, promotion will be difficult, if not impossible.

But what does this actually mean for the fans and the city of Cottbus? Many supporters hope that construction will begin soon to provide players with a better training and playing environment. The current conditions are unacceptable for German professional football. It will be interesting to see how quickly politicians and those responsible at the club will react to the urgency of the situation, because time is short.

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