Velodrom

The Velodrom stands on Simon-Oberdorfer-Platz at the start of the Westnerwacht in Regensburg’s Upper Palatinate quarter. Built in 1898 as a cycle-racing hall, it was the city’s largest indoor space at the time. Young architect Joseph Koch designed the steel-truss roof and fluted columns that still support the balconies. The oval balcony rail echoes the curve of a velodrome, while the front presents a tripartite façade. Inside, eight carbon-arc lamps once lit a sweeping stage, a retractable fountain and a slide from the gallery. Simon Oberdorfer, a local businessman and cyclist, commissioned the hall to host artistic cycling shows for the Wanderer-Radler-Verein. The city magistrate delayed approvals over fire-escape concerns until Adolf Schmetzer intervened in 1897. By 1904 the Velodrom had welcomed the 51st Catholic Day and speeches by Georg von Vollmar, Kurt Eisner and Toni Pfülf. Later it became the Capitol Cinema, then a family movie house and finally a porn cinema before closing in 1974. After wartime repairs the shell served as a theatre annex until a 1990 demolition threat prompted secret material tests. The discovery of Roman house remains during excavation led to full monument protection. Renovated between 1990 and 1996, it now seats 593 in a modern auditorium used for large-scale musicals, ballets and dramas. The renamed Simon-Oberdorfer-Platz honours its founder outside the restored hall.