Velodrome

What Velodrome does

Velodrome (legally Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH) is a 12,000-seat multi-purpose event arena located in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district at Falkplatz 1, within the Europasportpark Berlin complex. Opened in August 1997 and designed by French architect Dominique Perrault, the venue features a 250-meter cycling track made of original Siberian spruce, a Kling & Freitag sound system, modern technical equipment, flexible stage designs, and a 45,372 m² gross floor area. The facility hosts concerts, sporting events (cycling, handball, Six Day Berlin), shows, family events, and corporate functions, complemented by divisible side halls (Seelenbinderhalle, UFO) and on-site catering with vegetarian and vegan options.

The venue is privately held and operates as a subsidiary of Apleona Group, which provides integrated facility services including cleaning, security, and technical support. Revenue is generated through three streams: venue rental to event organizers, on-site catering and food services, and ancillary services. Pricing is quote-based for venue rental; ticket pricing is set by event organizers. Distribution occurs through direct corporate rental inquiries and partner ticketing systems. Marketing channels include the official velodrom.de website with an event calendar, Instagram and Facebook presence, and email newsletters.

The company maintains a multi-decade sustainability program initiated through the 2010 Green Team employee initiative and formalized through ISO 14001, 50001, 9001, and 45001 certifications, EcoVadis Platinum (achieved for the third consecutive year in 2023), and Clean & Green cleaning certification. Operational sustainability measures include 100% renewable electricity, a 225 MWh/year photovoltaic system, LED lighting delivering 42-75% energy savings, and water-saving aerators. The venue is managed by Sybil Franke and Sebastian Rüß.

Name

Velodrome

Legal name

Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH

Website

https://velodrom.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Velodrome is a 12,000-seat Berlin event arena (operated by Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH, an Apleona Group subsidiary) hosting concerts, sports, and corporate events, with diversified revenue from venue rental, catering, and ancillary services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Event Venue Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Spectator Sports (7112)

SIC

Operators Of Nonresidential Buildings (6512), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Concert Venue Operators (Arenas, Amphitheaters, Clubs) (MPAGAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports & Arena Event Venues (Stadiums, Arenas) (THAHAAAF), Venue-Owned/Operated Event Organizers (In-House Promoters) (MPAKADAI), Venue Booking, Ticketing & Event-Day Services (Box Office, Guest Services) (MPAKAEAO), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

Keywords

• Event venue rental
• Concert arena hosting
• Sports venue operations
• Corporate event spaces
• Live entertainment facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Event Venue Rental: The Velodrome generates revenue through renting its venue spaces to event organizers for concerts, sporting events, shows, and corporate events. Services include modern technical equipment, flexible stage designs, and one-stop facility services.
2. Catering and Food Services: On-site food and beverage sales during events including hearty classics (french fries, currywurst, bratwurst), vegetarian/vegan options, snacks, and drinks. Cashless payment accepted at all events.
3. Ticket Revenue: Revenue generated through admission tickets for concerts, sporting events, shows, and family events. Tickets are issued by event organizers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Velodrom operates a 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district, renting its spaces to event organizers for concerts, sporting events, shows, family events, and corporate events. Core offerings include the main Velodrom Arena with a 250 m Siberian spruce cycling track, the UFO club venue, the divisible Seelenbinderhalle side hall, on-site catering, guided tours, and an in-house Awareness safety program. The venue is run by Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH, a subsidiary of the Apleona Group, with full technical and facility management services.

Product overview

Velodrome is an event venue complex operated by Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH, offering multiple facilities for concerts, sporting events, shows, and corporate functions. The portfolio includes the main Velodrom Arena (approximately 12,000 capacity with a 250m cycling track), the adjacent UFO venue, the Seelenbinderhalle side hall (divisible into 3 sections), and catering/venue rental services. The venue operates as part of the Apleona Group and emphasizes sustainability practices across all operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seelenbinderhalle: A side hall of the Velodrom Berlin, divisible into three sections using partition walls with a permanent grandstand of 198 seats.
• UFO

Products and services

• Velodrom Arena The main arena venue with approximately 12,000 seats, designed by French architect Dominique Perrault, hosting concerts, sporting events, shows, and family events. Features a 250 m cycling track made of original Siberian spruce, a self-supporting steel roof structure, modern technical equipment, and flexible stage designs. For event organizers and corporate clients.
• UFO Venue A club venue operated alongside the Velodrom within the Europasportpark Berlin complex, hosting events and concerts.
• Seelenbinderhalle A divisible side hall of the Velodrom with a permanent grandstand of 198 seats, measuring 27 m x 49 m with a 6 m clear height, and divisible into three sections using partition walls. Suitable for smaller events, sports, and corporate functions.
• Catering Services On-site food and beverage offerings during events, including regional products, vegetarian and vegan options, snacks, and drinks. Uses sustainable packaging with recyclable containers and reusable cups, and accepts cashless payment at all events.
• Venue Rental Rental services for corporate events, concerts, sports events, shows, and business events, including professional technical equipment, flexible stage designs, one-stop facility management, and full service through the Apleona Group.
• Guided Tours Guided tours of the Velodrom facilities offered to event organizers, educational institutions such as the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT), and general visitors, organized through Bureau Muller.
• Awareness Program A safety and support program providing a 'safer space' for all visitors, with trained Awareness Teams identifiable by pink shirts who address discrimination, harassment, and provide victim support during events.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Berliner SparkasseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner. Berliner Sparkasse appears as a partner on the Velodrome website, offering modern payment options in the arenas.
• Citylight HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel partner offering special benefits for visitors to Berlin attending events at the Velodrome.
• teamflex solutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent solutions partner working with Velodrome to ensure strong processes on stage and behind the scenes.
• BacardiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage brand partner for events at the venue.
• Berliner PilsnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeer brand partner for events at the venue.
• PepsiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSoft drink partner for events at the venue.
• Red BullminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy drink partner for events at the venue.
• Thomas HenryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMixer and beverage partner for events at the venue.
• nextbikeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBicycle sharing partner with multiple stations around the Velodrome to support CO2-free mobility for event attendees.
• Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational nonprofit organization working to improve drinking water supplies. At sporting events and concerts, visitors can donate their deposit cups to support the cause.
• atmosfairminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate protection organization that Velomax supports to offset CO2 emissions. Compensation supports farming families in Nepal.
• Berlin Music CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVelomax is co-founder of the Berlin Music Commission's Sustainability Working Group, which offers advice on sustainability for music professionals in Berlin.
• Take A StandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean awareness initiative launched by festival association Yourope in 2016, promoting solidarity and tolerance at festivals and concerts.
• Music Declares EmergencyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity of artists and music industry professionals raising awareness about the climate emergency. Velomax is one of the declarers.
• Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2022, BHT students studying event technology or event management receive guided tours of the Velodrome once or twice a year.
• Berliner Schulpate gGmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2023, Velomax supports the 'Abenteuer Beruf' program introducing elementary school students to different careers by inviting 5th and 6th graders to the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
• Berliner Aidshilfe e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2024, partnership to enable seriously ill people to attend events through the 'Kulturkartenservice', improving their quality of life.
• ReFoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner since 2015 for collecting used cooking fat from Max-Schmeling-Halle and Velodrom for recycling and energy production.
• TorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaperCircle recycling program partner. Since 2024, 1,235 kg of paper towels have been recycled, saving 534 kg CO2.
• Apleona GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Velomax Berlin Hallenbetriebs GmbH. Provides one-stop facility services including cleaning, security, and technical support. Velomax follows Apleona's sustainability principles.
• Kling & FreitagcoreTechnology or IntegrationSound system provider for the Velodrome venue.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Mercedes-Benz Arena Berlin: Berlin's flagship multi-purpose arena (~17,000 capacity) hosting major concerts, sports events, and corporate functions. Directly competes with Velodrom for the same touring-artist dates, corporate clients, and live-event calendar in Berlin.
• Lanxess Arena Cologne: Cologne's flagship multi-purpose arena (~20,000 capacity) hosting concerts, sports, and corporate events. Direct competitor on the German touring circuit and for major event bookings.
• Festhalle Frankfurt: Frankfurt's major multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and corporate events. Comparable to Velodrom in scale, use cases (concerts, sports, corporate), and German live-entertainment market positioning.
• Columbiahalle Berlin: Berlin event venue (~3,500 capacity) hosting concerts, comedy, and corporate events. Overlaps with Velodrom's smaller-format event use cases and competes for the same promoters and mid-tier touring acts in Berlin.
• Olympiahalle Munich: Munich's main arena (~15,000 capacity) for concerts, sports, and corporate events. Comparable in scale, event mix, and German arena market positioning to Velodrom.
• Barclays Arena Hamburg: Hamburg's largest arena (~13,000 capacity) for concerts, sports, and corporate events. Closest comparable to Velodrom by capacity, multi-purpose format, and German touring-circuit positioning.
• Tempodrom Berlin: Berlin multi-purpose venue (~4,000 capacity) for concerts, shows, and corporate events. Comparable to Velodrom's mid-size event offering, targeting similar corporate and entertainment clients in the Berlin market.

Broad incumbents

• Live Nation Entertainment: Global live entertainment giant operating venues, promoting concerts, and selling tickets worldwide. Comparable in that Live Nation both operates venues and books acts into third-party arenas like Velodrom; represents both a customer and competitive counterparty.
• AEG Presents / Anschutz Entertainment Group: Global venue operator and concert promoter owning/managing arenas worldwide (e.g., The O2, Mercedes-Benz Arena Berlin). Comparable as a multi-venue operator and promoter that competes for the same touring acts and corporate clients as Velodrom.

Regional players

• Olympiastadion Berlin: Berlin's large outdoor stadium (~74,000 capacity) for concerts, football, and major events. Operates in the same Berlin market as Velodrom but at a vastly different scale and primarily outdoor format; overlaps for premium touring acts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/velodrom.berlin
• Instagraminstagram.com/velodrom_berlin

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Velodrome