The 50 metre-high bell tower of the Gedächtniskirche – known in English as the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church – is one of Berlin’s most famous sights and from Wednesday (27) it has been decked out to promote the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships.
The hexagonal building built between 1959 and 1963, which sits alongside its 19th century counterpart, was been covered by the company APA in only two days and is now shining in the colours of Berlin 2018 and the inaugural multisport European Championships, which are being co-hosted by Glasgow.
The branded covering of the bell tower displays the German athletics stars sprinter Julian Reus and Rio 2016 Olympic Games javelin champion Thomas Rohler. On top of the awning, the European flag is displayed to celebrate the European Festival that will be held at the European Mile, which is alongside the church, during Berlin 2018.
In addition to the competitions held at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the European Mile is playing a major role in Berlin 2018.
The men’s shot put qualifying, the race walking events and the start and finish of the marathons will all take place on the European Mile, along with 38 victory ceremonies - as well as a varied and entertaining cultural and entertainment programme - during the six-day championship from 7-12 August.
A temporary arena on the European Mile will also hold up to 3000 spectators and it will be the main attraction in the City West during the championships. The European Mile also connects the Berlin Olympic Stadium and the city centre of Berlin.
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More information on the 2018 European Championships:
- The Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships will be part of the first multi-sport European Championships along with co-hosts Glasgow.
- It will be a must-watch, must-attend experience that elevates the status of European Champions, uniting existing European Championships to celebrate the highest honour in European sport and celebrating the defining moments that create Champions.
- It is the continent’s ultimate multi-sport event, an 11-day celebration of European sport staged every four years.
- Seven of Europe’s leading sports (athletics, aquatics, rowing, golf, cycling, gymnastics, triathlon) will be brought together for the first edition.
- The European Athletics Championships in Berlin will be staged 7-12 August. The six other sports will be staged in Glasgow through 2-12 August.
- 4500 athletes and 52 nations will compete across the seven sports.
- Potential TV audience of over one billion with millions more across multiple digital platforms.
- Over half a million spectators expected.