The Berlin Sportpalast

Sportpalast (Palace of Sports)

 is one of those emblematic buildings of Berlin whose disappearance is to regret. It was inaugurated in 1910 with a symphonic concert: the Beethoven’s Ninth directed by Richard Strauss. It has long been the largest covered hall in the city, with a capacity of ten thousand people.

In the 1920s, the palace experienced a boom with ice hockey and boxing. Boxing stars appeared, such as Hans Breitensträter (called: Hans the Blond) Sabri Mahir (The Terrible Turk) and Max Schmeling (called: Maxe). Enrico Caruso was often a spectator, as were Richard Tauber, Hans Albers, Fritz Kortner, Ernst Oppler and Bertolt Brecht.

In 1923, the world's first indoor equestrian tournament was held at the Palast.

Since 1911, the Six Days cycling races have been held as a major event, which has remained a Berlin tradition to this day. Well-to-do spectators instituted prices, such as villas or fur coats. At night, the race track became a dance floor.

But the Sportpalast had a political importance too. It was more and more favored by the big parties for their meetings. Leaders from right and left delivered speeches at the Palace, such as Ernst Thälmann of the Communist Party KPD, centrist Heinrich Brüning or Nazis like Hitler and Goebbels. The latter often dishonored the Palace with his eructations, the worst being perhaps his call for "total war" of 1943.

An excerpt from Franz Hessel’s book « Promenades in Berlin » :

"Whoever wants to see Berlin people in a fever, should not miss the chance to see at least part of the 144 hours dedicated to those who ride on an inclined wooden track, the six-day races. In the central circle and the reserved boxes of the hall, one can see the cream of society and the celebrities with their beautiful shoulders draped in Sable and Fox fur.

But it’s better to sit amongst the true connoisseurs, the super-Berliners. No detail in the race, no change of lead is ignored, everything is criticised or applauded in the most enthusiastic fashion. If nothing worthwhile happens, they play cards. Then resonate and whistle the names of favorites who are encouraged and who, up here, are well known, without having to look at the number or color of the shirt. Here you’ll meet a good-natured neighbor who will explain you the phases of the course, the pursuit, the relays, the penalty points, the sprints and the meaning of the luminous signaling in green, blue and red. The Berliner explains it all with pleasure, surprised to meet someone who does not know anything about these things of such extreme importance that he knows since he was a child. / ... /

Sport is international and knows nothing about political parties. But its palace is open to political passion. A great rally of the National Socialists is announced. The rooms are filled. Before the doors, the police patrols, because there is a counter-demonstration of the "reds". Suddenly, one hears that the communists want to break into the palace. The police receives reinforcements. The rubber truncheons sway. It is difficult to verify who has started. If they did not carry their symbols, the slogans of reaction or revolution, one could scarcely distinguish these intrepid young Berliners from both camps. Other times those in the steel helmet wait outside while stalking while the reds are gathered inside. Then the room is full of large red banners. The supervisors make sure that the stairs are free. The crowd moves away meekly when the Red Front enters accompanied by music. The music that excites the comrades is of a warrior type. The very young boys advance by stirring the cymbals, the flute players follow them. The raised fist of the men and the open hands of the children greet the flags. »

 

 

 

 

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