Berlin Sportpalast facts for kids

The Berliner Sportpalast was a famous building in Berlin, Germany. It was built in 1910 and stood for many years before being taken down in 1973. The Sportpalast was used for many different things, especially winter sports and large meetings.

It was located in the Schöneberg area of Berlin. The Sportpalast was a very big place. It could hold up to 14,000 people! For some time, it was the largest meeting hall in Berlin. The Berliner Sportpalast is also well known for a very important speech given there in 1943 by Joseph Goebbels, which was about "Total War" during World War II.

What was the Sportpalast?

The Berliner Sportpalast was a large indoor arena. It was designed to host many events. The building was quite grand for its time. It quickly became a central spot in Berlin. People gathered there for various activities.

Building and Design

The Sportpalast was built in 1910. It had a unique design for its era. The main hall was very spacious. This allowed for many people to attend events. It was a modern building when it opened.

Location in Berlin

The Sportpalast was in the Schöneberg district. This area is in the southwestern part of Berlin. Its location made it easy for people to reach. It was a well-known landmark in the city.

Events and Activities

The Sportpalast hosted a wide range of events. It was a popular venue for sports. Many other types of gatherings also took place there. It was a busy and important building.

Winter Sports Hub

The Sportpalast was famous for winter sports. It had an ice rink inside. This made it perfect for ice hockey games. Figure skating competitions were also held there. Many exciting matches took place on its ice.

Other Sporting Events

Besides winter sports, other games were played. Boxing matches were very popular. Famous boxers fought in the Sportpalast. Cycling races also drew big crowds. It was a true multi-sport venue.

Political Meetings and Speeches

The Sportpalast was also used for large political meetings. Many important speeches were given there. These events often had thousands of attendees. The building became a place for major public gatherings.

The "Total War" Speech

One of the most famous events was in 1943. Joseph Goebbels gave a speech there. It was called the "Total War" speech. This speech was very important during World War II. It called for everyone to support the war effort.

End of the Sportpalast

The Sportpalast stood for over 60 years. It saw many changes in Berlin. Eventually, the building was taken down. Its demolition marked the end of an era.

Demolition in 1973

The Berliner Sportpalast was demolished in 1973. This was because it was old. Also, new buildings were being planned. Today, there is a different building on its site. A historical marker remembers the Sportpalast.

Images for kids

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  Postcard depiction of new Sportpalast, 1910.

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  Max Schmeling at Sportpalast, 1928.

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  Goebbels' Total War speech, early 1943. The banner says "Total war - shortest war."

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  Historical marker, Berlin-Schöneberg

See also

In Spanish: Berliner Sportpalast para niños