text: Phase 1 In the late 1990s, the first plans for the redevelopment were drawn up. After several years of planning and discussion on various proposals, the redevelopment finally began at the end of the 2007-08 season. The major works included replacing the crumbling stone and cinder terracing with concrete terracing and installing a roof over the previously open terraces. Other minor improvements such as the installation of new perimeter fencing, new seats in the main stand and installation of undersoil heating and digital scoreboard were carried out. During the redevelopment, over 2,300 supporters volunteered their services with specialist firms undertaking complex tasks such as installing the cantilever roof.
  Union Berlin played their home matches at the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Sportpark in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district during the 2008-09 season as the stadium was redeveloped. The stadium was re-opened on 8 July 2009 in time for a friendly against fellow Berlin side Hertha BSC.
  Phase 2
  Originally planned for 2010, the second stage of refurbishment commenced when funding was secured in May 2012. The old main stand was torn down and the foundation-stone for the new, 3,617-capacity stand was laid in the following month. The new building is 100.5 m wide and 23.5 m high, also includes hospitality, media and other functional facilities. The cost for its construction was €15 million of which €2 million was contributed by the club with the sponsors accounting for €10 million. The remaining €3 million injected by a holding formed to own and manage to stadium, shares in which were made publicly available and over four thousand members of the club and sponsors bought shares in the company so formed.