Saturday, 27. September 2025 |
Entering the arena, new opportunities, and historic moments
Before the SAP Garden opened, the Red Bulls played their home games in the Olympic Ice Stadium. What are the biggest differences compared to the other two stadiums?
Patrick Hager: "First of all, of course, everything is bigger here. We've almost doubled our spectator capacity from one day to the next. It wasn't an easy adjustment at first, everything was new and unfamiliar, you first had to get to know the routes and facilities. But now, a year later, everyone really feels at home here. It's a great setup for us that we also have the opportunity to train on three other ice surfaces at other events. At the same time, we have this great cabin, a new lounge, the wellness area and the large fitness studio. We first had to learn to come together here so that not everyone does their own thing because there are so many options. We have learned these lessons."
Patrick Hager (Red Bull München) and Vladimir Lucic (FC Bayern Basketball) in conversation.
// INTERVIEW
The gym in particular is a real paradise for athletes. What were your first thoughts when you saw the dimensions?
Hager: "It's a similar size to the gym at the Red Bull Academy in Salzburg/Liefering. Young ice hockey and soccer players share the facilities there. Two teams can train at the same time, which is also important in Munich since the Rookie Bulls have become so big. It's also great for the youngsters to have the chance to meet us in the morning and see how we professionals train and talk to us."
What was your favorite moment from your first year at SAP Garden?
Hager: "I would say the opening game against the Buffalo Sabres NHL team. Being on the ice for the first time and seeing the sold-out arena was something special. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the result you hope for as an athlete, but we will work hard to be able to celebrate more at the SAP Garden this year."
Watch the full talk with Hager and Bayern Munich's basketball captain Lucic in the video above.
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