All eyes were set on the gigantic stadium shell as the lighting of the Allianz Arena was switched on for the first time. In order to demonstrate the play of light, the facade cushions were partly lighted with colour. 480 Siteco luminaires within 120 cushions were deployed to create a fascinating interplay of light with the test. At first the membrane shell was illuminated with white (county matches, Champions League etc.), and then in the colours red (FC Bayern München) and blue (TSV 1860 München). And finally the public saw further patterns of light such as diamonds or stripes in blue/white, red/white and red/blue.

Even though only a small part of the stadium shell was illuminated, it was enough to wet the public's appetite for the finished stadium. After completion on 30th April 2005, 1,056 membrane cushions will be illuminated, which is equivalent to a lighting area of 24,000qm. Over 4,000 custom luminaires from Siteco will ensure the required lighting effects. But even now one thing is for sure: the colour-illuminated Allianz Arena is a unique construction that will become a landmark for Munich.

Phenomenal, impressive, gigantic. They were the most-used words that came over the lips of those present at the construction site at Fröttmaníng in Munich. On the third anniversary of the citizens' initiative and in the second year since the laying of the foundation stone, the first lighting test for the facade shell set another milestone in the still young history of the Allianz Arena. As well as Munich's mayor Christian Ude, journalists and prominence from politics and sport were invited such as Karl Auer, president of TSV 1860 München and Karl Hopfner, member of the board of FC Bayern München. The guests were enthralled with the breathtaking spectacle. 'That has something magical about it,' said Christian Ude, mayor of Munich. And under-secretary Freller didn't mince words either. "It's an exemplary arena for the 21st century and a new landmark for Munich with international attraction."

More information about the Allianz Arena can be found at www.allianz-arena.de.

And if you want to find out more about the unique membrane shell, surf along to the website of Covertex at www.covertex.de.