Money for sport: Lower Saxony is demanding billions for dilapidated facilities!

Money for sport: Lower Saxony is demanding billions for dilapidated facilities!

The LandesSportBund (LSB) Lower Saxony congratulates Olaf Lies on his election as Prime Minister and, in this context, calls for a fundamental rethink in the coming budget planning, especially with regard to investments in sports facilities. As the LSB reports, a new, multi-year sports facility investment program is urgently needed to address the significant need for renovation of sports facilities in Lower Saxony.

In his government statement on May 20, 2025, Olaf Lies announced a billion-dollar investment program aimed at meeting the challenges in the sports sector. A survey of sports clubs in Lower Saxony conducted by LSB shows that there is a financial requirement of over 500 million euros for the renovation of club-owned facilities in the period from 2023 to 2032. Facilities that support sports activities and health promotion close to home are particularly affected.

Importance of sports facilities for society

Reinhard Rawe, LSB board chairman, emphasizes the central role of a functioning infrastructure for sports clubs. Well-equipped and barrier-free sports facilities are not only crucial for practicing sport, but also contribute to the realization of health, social and urban development policy goals. These facilities support a sense of community and promote social integration through exercise and encounters.

However, the financial challenges for cities and municipalities are considerable, as many sports facilities are affected by the renovation backlog. The sports facilities investment pact, which supported cities and municipalities in the modern development of sports facilities from 2020 to 2022, represented an important step. This pact complemented urban development funding and was implemented in accordance with annual federal-state administrative agreements.

Sustainable development through investments

A central aspect of the investment pact was the consideration of environmental and climate protection. The goals included creating equal living conditions and creating places to strengthen social cohesion. Unfortunately, the investment pact will not be continued from the 2023 program year, but the measures are planned to be financed until 2026, which is crucial for the renovation of the sports facilities.

With a view to the 2026 budget, the LSB is asking the state government to take concrete measures to overcome the significant challenges in the sports facility sector. A strong commitment to the necessary investments will sustainably strengthen not only sport, but also society as a whole.