Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle | BBGZ & Events

The Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle in the BBGZ is one of the most exciting new sports and meeting locations in Erlangen. Those looking for the hall usually mean not just a classic sports venue, but a versatile place with a public presence, modern rooms, and a clear connection to the neighborhood around Hartmannstraße 114. The city of Erlangen describes the hall as the center of the citizen, meeting, and health center, emphasizing that school and club sports can find space here as well as exhibitions, conferences, and other events. The naming after Gerd Lohwasser is a conscious recognition of his life's work; the city refers to his role as a city council member and mayor. With the opening on September 13, 2024, a long-planned project became a real address for sports, encounters, and modern use in the southeast of the city. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

Opening and Significance of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle

The creation of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle is closely linked to the development of the BBGZ, that is, the citizen, meeting, and health center on Hartmannstraße. The new quadruple sports hall was already described in the council documents as an important building block for sports provision in the east of Erlangen. The city wanted not only to create additional hall space but also a place where education, movement, health, and encounters come together. This multifunctionality continues to make the hall interesting for all those seeking a location with practical usability and a public character. The name Gerd Lohwasser is not coincidentally above the entrance: In the municipal documents, the naming is explained as a permanent recognition of his life's work because he has been active in Erlangen for many decades. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2134458))

The significance of the hall became particularly visible on September 13, 2024, when the official opening took place. The Bavarian Ministry of the Interior referred to it in its press release as a state-of-the-art showcase project in Erlangen and highlighted the extensive investments of the Free State. Such formulations show that the hall is perceived not only locally but also regarded as a representative sports building. For the city, the opening was an important milestone because it marked the operational start of a long-developed project that benefits schools, clubs, and organizers alike. It is important to know for inquiries about the opening, background, or history: The hall is still very new, but its planning history goes back many years and connects sporting needs with urban planning goals. ([stmi.bayern.de](https://www.stmi.bayern.de/presse-und-medien/pressemitteilungen/detail/herrmann-gratuliert-zur-eroeffnung-der-gerd-lohwasser-halle-18569/))

Politically, the hall also stands for a clear claim. The planning documents describe the location on Hartmannstraße as particularly suitable because it is well connected by traffic and is suitable for parking spaces as well as other community-oriented uses. At the same time, the BBGZ was conceived from the beginning as a neighborhood building block that enhances the district and complements the existing infrastructure. The Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle is therefore not just a new building but part of a larger urban concept. Those looking for a location with history will not find a centuries-old tradition here but the story of a modern project that arose from concrete needs and has shaped the everyday lives of many groups since its opening in 2024. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2127786&utm_source=openai))

Capacity, Hall Areas, and Equipment in the BBGZ

The central figure for many visitors is: The city of Erlangen states around 1,000 spectator seats. This is a considerable size for a municipal quadruple sports hall and makes it immediately clear that the hall can do more than just regular school sports. In addition to the pure sports area, modern multipurpose, gymnastics, conditioning, and movement rooms are available. This division is a strong indication that the hall was designed for various types of use and is not reduced to a single purpose. That is why it frequently appears in search queries together with terms like BBGZ, capacity, seating, or equipment. Those looking for a place for tournaments, training, sports events, or larger meeting formats will find a space designed for flexibility here. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

According to the city, the equipment also includes a spacious foyer suitable for exhibitions, as well as a large meeting room with glass fronts, which can be used together with a bar area for conferences and similar events. This is unusually versatile for a sports location and makes the hall interesting from the perspective of organizers. The foyer is particularly important because it can enhance events without overshadowing the sports function. The publicly accessible outdoor area adds additional space for sports and social activities. This makes it clear that the hall is intended not only inside but also in its immediate surroundings as a place of activity. Therefore, those looking for photos or an overview of the room structure should remember the combination of hall, foyer, meeting room, bar area, and outdoor space as a whole. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

Even in the design phase, the questions of light, function, and divisibility played a significant role. The council documents describe the sports area as glare-free and well-lit with daylight through roof skylights, so that artificial lighting can largely be dispensed with during the day. This is not only energetically sensible but also pleasant for training and events. Furthermore, the building was planned with various user groups in mind, including school sports, club use, and additional multifunctional requirements. The hall is thus a typical example of modern municipal sports infrastructure that not only meets dimensions and areas but also considers quality of stay, flexibility, and accessibility. This mix is a main reason why the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle in Erlangen is so frequently perceived as a new showcase hall. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2131930&voselect=2113983))

Access, Public Transport, and Parking on Hartmannstraße

The address is clear: Hartmannstraße 114 in 91052 Erlangen. For visitors arriving by public transport, the nearby stop Röthelheimbad Ost is particularly important. According to the city of Erlangen, it is served by bus line 293. During the week, this line runs every 20 minutes in both directions during peak hours, and on Saturdays every 40 minutes. Additionally, the city bus line ensures a connection to the BBGZ on weekends from 07:00 to 01:00, for example, to Erlangen city center every 30 or 60 minutes. Therefore, those paying attention to access, bus, or connections have a good foundation for a stress-free arrival. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2131930&voselect=2113983))

When it comes to parking, one should differentiate between general city information and the specific location. The city of Erlangen generally points out that there are free capacities in parking garages and underground garages around the city center at many times of the day and that since January 1, 2024, all bus lines within the free city center area allow free bus travel. For the BBGZ itself, the planning documents show that parking management and parking spaces were considered from the beginning and that an operational working group was planned for the operational business upon commissioning. The documents also mention newly created parking spaces planned in the vicinity of the BBGZ. This means for visitors: Those arriving by car should check the current situation and not assume that all parking spaces are readily available at all times. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/parken-in-erlangen))

For inquiries about access and parking, it is also important to note that the location in the southeast of Erlangen is not isolated but integrated into a larger traffic and usage system. The planning documents explicitly mention the good public transport connection as an advantage and also state that for major events, a shuttle bus service can be individually set up. This shows that the hall is not only intended for everyday use but also for larger audiences and special dates. Therefore, anyone planning to attend an event should check in advance whether an event is taking place, whether additional traffic measures are in effect, and which route is most sensible for their visit. That is why terms like access, bus line, and parking are among the most important search queries related to this location. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2131930&voselect=2113983))

Booking, Use, and Typical Events

The Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle is a municipal sports facility, and its use generally requires permission according to the city. The Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle can be officially booked through the online application of the city of Erlangen. This is a central point for clubs, schools, organizers, and organizing groups because it clarifies that it is not a freely accessible event hall but a professionally managed municipal infrastructure. Therefore, those looking for booking, reservation, or use will find a clean administrative structure. This fits the character of the BBGZ: publicly relevant but organizationally structured. For planning, training times, and special events, this official booking option is crucial. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/service/3582))

The hall is primarily intended for school and club sports. At the same time, the city information shows that exhibitions, conferences, and similar formats are also possible. This is remarkable because the hall thus does not remain just a sports venue but develops into a multifunctional event space. The large meeting room with glass fronts and the bar area support this multipurpose character. The foyer also expands the range because presentations, exhibitions, or a reception area are conceivable there. For event planners, this is particularly interesting when a location should allow both movement and communication and presentation. The Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle fulfills exactly this combination without losing its sporting identity. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

The versatility of the environment was also evident during the Special Olympics State Games 2025 in Erlangen. According to the city, the outdoor offerings of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle were utilized by around 1,000 day participants. This is a strong example that not only the hall itself but also the outdoor space is suitable for larger, inclusive, and public formats. Additionally, the city describes the hall as a place with potential conference and exhibition character. For search intents regarding programs, events, and event locations, this is important: It is not about a rigid sports property but about a place that is suitable for regular use as well as for special occasions with an audience. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2141008&utm_source=openai))

Accessibility, Outdoor Area, and Visitor Experience

A major advantage of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle is its accessibility. The vhs Erlangen explicitly lists the location Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle/BBGZ, Hartmannstraße 114, as barrier-free accessible and mentions a barrier-free toilet. In connection with the city's claim of the BBGZ, this results in a location that not only appears modern but is also practically inclusive. For many visitors, this is a decisive criterion when coming with family, groups, school classes, or people with different mobility needs. Accessibility is therefore not a secondary aspect here but an essential part of the quality of use. Especially in a hall with events and many spectator seats, this is a strong argument. ([vhs-erlangen.de](https://www.vhs-erlangen.de/services/barrierefreiheit))

The public outdoor area also contributes significantly to the quality of stay. The city describes it as additional space for sports and social activities. This is more than a nice extra, as it expands the usability of the hall beyond the pure indoor area. For groups gathering before an event, for break formats, or for additional movement offerings, this outdoor space is very valuable. In connection with the Special Olympics, it became clear that the area around the hall can also be used for open and inclusive offerings. This external effect makes the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle in the BBGZ a place where encounters are not only in the name but can actually be experienced spatially. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

Additionally, the design planning has already responded to accessibility aspects and participation. The council documents mention that, in coordination with the disability advisor, a toilet for all was integrated into the overall concept, among other things. This shows that inclusion was not merely added later but was considered in the planning process. The combination of daylight, large areas, and clear accessibility also speaks for a well-usable building. Visitors looking for a place with a pleasant atmosphere and simultaneously meaningful function will find here a modern, open, and practical solution. This is particularly relevant for all those who pay attention not only to photos but also to real usability quality. ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2131930&voselect=2113983))

Photos, Impressions, and What Visitors Should Know in Advance

Those looking for photos of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle will encounter modern, bright, and clearly structured architecture. The city publishes official images, including references to the hall in the BBGZ. Even the description on the city page conveys what visitors can expect: a spacious foyer, a meeting room with glass fronts, a bar area, and a publicly accessible outdoor area. The image of the hall is therefore not only sporty but also representative. For individuals wanting to get a first impression before an event, such visual impressions are important because they quickly make the usage concept of the location understandable. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

Search queries for reviews or experiences usually show that visitors are looking for a mix of practical information and atmosphere. Although the official city description does not replace classic reviews, it does make clear why the hall is perceived positively: It is new, multifunctional, barrier-free, and designed for different user groups. Additionally, the location in the BBGZ, which is conceived as part of a larger social concept, adds to this. For events, this means: It is not about an anonymous hall but about a municipal address with a clear function, good accessibility, and visible architectural quality. Those attending an event, training, or meeting will find a place that has been consciously built for encounters. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))

Practically, one should check three things before the visit: the date, the arrival, and the usage situation. For bookings, the official municipal application of the city is the right way. For access, the stop Röthelheimbad Ost is a good point of orientation, and for drivers, it is worth checking the current parking situation in the vicinity. Those coming from the city center additionally benefit from free bus use within the city center area. This way, the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle becomes not only a term understandable in search engines but also a real, functioning location with concrete processes. Exactly this makes it so interesting for users who not only know the name but genuinely want to go there. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/service/3582))

Sources:

• City of Erlangen - Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/gerd-lohwasser-halle))
• City of Erlangen - Apply for Municipal Sports Facility ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/service/3582))
• City of Erlangen - Parking in Erlangen ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/aktuelles/parken-in-erlangen))
• vhs Erlangen - Accessibility ([vhs-erlangen.de](https://www.vhs-erlangen.de/services/barrierefreiheit))
• Bavarian Ministry of the Interior - Opening of the Gerd-Lohwasser-Halle ([stmi.bayern.de](https://www.stmi.bayern.de/presse-und-medien/pressemitteilungen/detail/herrmann-gratuliert-zur-eroeffnung-der-gerd-lohwasser-halle-18569/))
• City of Erlangen - Naming of the Quadruple Sports Hall after Gerd Lohwasser ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2134458))
• City of Erlangen - BBGZ Planning, Access, and Parking ([ratsinfo.erlangen.de](https://ratsinfo.erlangen.de/vo0050.asp?__kvonr=2131930&voselect=2113983))