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Future of Kleinmesse and RB Leipzig: Contract causes uncertainty!
The city of Leipzig and RB Leipzig are negotiating a contract for the use of the fairground on Cottaweg from 2032. In order to expand future training areas, the city must find a replacement location for the small trade fair by the end of 2027.
Future of Kleinmesse and RB Leipzig: Contract causes uncertainty!
An exciting turning point in Leipzig's urban development: RB Leipzig has been awarded the contract for the fairground area on Cottaweg. This was decided on May 22, 2025 at a council meeting with a clear majority. The contract stipulates that the club can start building new training pitches and a parking garage from 2032. The city of Leipzig has committed to finding a new location for the small trade fair by the end of 2027, which will initially be allowed to remain on Cottaweg until December 31, 2031. The LVZ reports this under Link.
Why is this decision so important? The city council has dealt with the question of the city's right to withdraw. This was primarily demanded by the Left and the Greens in order to protect the city in the event of a possible failure in the search for a location. The city council finally agreed to a detailed draft contract that stipulated 16 different reasons for withdrawal for RB Leipzig, as well as the contractual framework for the use of the festival site. The club now has to quickly look for alternative locations for the small trade fair, where around 20 options have already been examined, reports RBlive.
The plan for the future
At the last council meeting, Mayor Burkhard Jung already knew about the uncertainties that a right to withdraw would bring with it for the city. However, this did not stop the city from finding the compromise that would allow RB Leipzig to develop the small trade fair area. RB Leipzig emphasized in the discussions that the city had not fulfilled its obligations regarding the disposal of contaminated sites on the property. The club therefore considers a right of withdrawal to be essential for contract security.
A total of two to three new training areas and a parking garage are planned for the area to replace the existing 2,200 parking spaces and 200 bus spaces that will be eliminated as a result of the renovation. This means additional freight for the city, which will have to look for new parking spaces by 2032 at the latest, while negotiations are already underway with the owners of potential alternative locations. This once again underlines RB Leipzig's claim to be taken seriously as a central player in the sports city of Leipzig and to prepare for the return to the Champions League Tag24 reported.
The small trade fair and the challenges
The situation is not easy for the showmen. Jürgen Seiferth, the chairman of the Leipzig Showmen's Association, emphasized that the small trade fair would not be moved until an adequate replacement location was found. Finding a new place proves to be challenging as high requirements have to be taken into account. Even if the contractual matters appear positive at first glance, it remains to be seen how the city's own search for a new location will develop. This casts a cloud of doubt over long-term planning and shows that talks between the city and RB Leipzig are still in full swing and many questions remain unanswered.
The city of Leipzig and RB Leipzig face an exciting, if challenging, time as they consolidate the foundations for the city's sporting and cultural development. One thing is certain: things will remain exciting in Leipzig!