Berlin athletics meeting gets offshoot in Dresden

The Berlin athletics meeting Istaf is apparently to have an offshoot in Dresden. "Yes, there is this idea. We are in talks and have an appointment at city hall in the fall," Istaf boss Martin Seeber told the "Sächsische Zeitung" newspaper. According to the newspaper, the meeting is due to take place this week.

The idea is that the Istaf, which usually takes place in Berlin in September, will have an offshoot in the Saxon state capital in the spring. The Dresden Istaf is to take place in the Heinz Steyer Stadium, the 50 million euro renovation of which is due to be completed in summer 2024.

"Dresden and the Steyer Stadium are a stronghold of athletics. In times when athletics stadiums tend to be demolished, the renovation and expansion in Dresden is a great story. And of course it is important that regular events are held there," said Seeber.

On completion, the converted Steyer Stadium will have 5,000 covered seats. Mobile stands will make it possible to temporarily increase the capacity to 15,000. The fact that the Istaf, which was first held in 1921, also takes place outside of Berlin is already being implemented in the hall. The Istaf Indoor has also been held in Düsseldorf since 2021.