Big gala in Baden-Baden: European Court opens after renovation!

Big gala in Baden-Baden: European Court opens after renovation!

On December 21, 2025, the 79th gala to honor the athlete and team of the year will take place in the Bénazet Hall of the Kurhaus in Baden-Baden. The tension between last year's sporting achievements and the festive atmosphere increases the anticipation of this event in Baden-Baden. The event has a long tradition and attracts numerous high-profile guests every year. This year, Max Giesinger, Frauke Ludowig and Alexandra Kamp are also expected at the reopening of the European Court, which was previously a construction site. The European Court had to close in 2014 due to fire safety deficiencies, which hit many fans and guests hard.

After the hotel was purchased by a professional pension fund and extensive renovation work, which is seen as a stroke of luck for Baden-Baden, the hotel can finally open its doors again. The ongoing uncertainty about the future of the former “Sportsman of the Year” venue now seemed to have been put aside. This positive outlook not only pleases the hoteliers, but the number of tourists in the city is also showing encouraging growth.

Hotel romance and festive atmosphere

Two other hotels in the region are also about to reopen. The Badischer Hof, which has been closed since September 2021 after a major fire, has already started renovation work. The Brenners Park Hotel is also making progress as the general renovation is nearing completion and operations are expected to resume soon. Despite the city's financial problems, developments in the accommodation sector can be seen as positive.

The gala honoring athletes has the potential to be a fantastic celebration. The history of this honor goes back to the post-war period, when it was established in the late 1940s. A long list of sporting legends, from Marga Petersen in 1947 to Malaika Mihambo in 2023, showcase the successes and achievements recognized at this gala. The anticipation for the upcoming proclamation in December 2025 is constantly growing and expectations are high.

Tradition and diversity in sport

The event not only enjoys an excellent reputation in the sports world, but is also a centerpiece of culture in Baden-Baden. For many, the 79th Gala is a highlight of the year, where not only sporting achievements can be celebrated, but new acquaintances can also be made. The event offers the opportunity to promote exchange between athletes, sponsors and enthusiasts, creating a unique flair.

Preparations are already in full swing and the city is looking forward to the return of the gala. The signs are good that the event will be a complete success in a festive setting. Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience in one of the most traditional sports gala series in Germany, as sportler-des-jahre.de reports. The anticipation for the gala is palpable and shows that sport also brings people's hearts together in difficult times.