Yonex German Open: Badminton Tournament Draws Thousands to Mülheim
The Yonex German Open, a prestigious badminton tournament held annually in Mülheim, attracts up to 6,000 spectators and over 750 players and officials from around the globe, significantly boosting the local economy.
Badminton’s Grand-Prix Event in Mülheim
As 2005, the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mülheim has been the permanent home of the Yonex German Open, a Grand-Prix-level event that stands out in the badminton world. While the Mülheim city administration and the Mülheim City Marketing and Tourism GmbH (MST) acknowledge the event’s importance, questions remain about how fully its potential is being utilized.
Mülheim Recognizes Tournament’s Value
The MST supports the German badminton Association by promoting the event and organizing a specific program for the referees of the German Open on their match-free day. David Lüngen,Mülheim’s City Director and Head of sports,recognizes the German Open as a sporting flagship for the city,highlighting its long-standing badminton tradition.
Economic Impact Without Focused strategy
Beyond venue revenues, the German Open provides a small economic stimulus for Mülheim, although the city doesn’t implement large-scale supporting measures.While official accommodation statistics don’t specifically track the reasons for hotel bookings during the event, the MST has found that many rooms are occupied by athletes and visitors.
International Visitors Boost Local Economy
Claudia Pauli, who is responsible for the press work of the tournament, estimates approximately 400 overnight stays are booked by the tournament management for officials such as referees. Many players, coaches, and support staff are housed in Oberhausen due to Mülheim’s limited hotel capacity and transported to the matches via shuttle. while the tournament attracts many players and visitors from badminton-popular countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, specific details on visitor origins and booking habits remain unknown.
Strong Turnout Expected
The yonex open Air drew 5,500 spectators in 2023 and 5,800 in 2024. Tournament organizers are optimistic about achieving similar numbers at the event, which runs until March 2.
Yonex German badminton Open in Mülheim: A Storied History
The Yonex German Open started in 1955. Mülheim an der Ruhr previously hosted the event from 1975 to 1977 and 1980 to 1982 in the Ruhr Sporthalle. The Westenergie Sporthalle became the tournament’s permanent home due to its ideal size (2,300 seats), proximity to badminton associations, the central location in Germany and the wishes of the main sponsor Yonex.
What are teh economic benefits that the Yonex German Open brings to the city of Mülheim?
Yonex German Open: Badminton Tournament Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the Yonex German Open?
- A prestigious annual badminton tournament held in Mülheim, Germany, attracting thousands of players, officials, and spectators from around the world.
- Where is the tournament held?
- The Westenergie Sporthalle in Mülheim, Germany has been the permanent home since 2005.
- What is the economic impact of the tournament?
- It boosts the local economy, tho the city doesn’t have large-scale supporting measures. It provides revenue for the venue, and many hotel rooms are occupied by athletes and visitors.
- How many spectators does the tournament draw?
- The tournament draws approximately 5,500 to 5,800 spectators. Attendance is expected to be similar in 2024.
- Who benefits from the tournament?
- The city of Mülheim, local businesses (hotels, restaurants), players, officials, and badminton fans.
- Where do the players and officials stay during the tournament?
- While some stay in Mülheim, due to limited hotel capacity, many are housed in oberhausen and transported to matches by shuttle.
- When did the Yonex German Open start?
- The tournament dates back to 1955.
- Why is Mülheim a good location for the tournament?
- The Westenergie Sporthalle has 2,300 seats, and the central location in Germany is suitable for this sport.
The Yonex German Open continues to be a important event for Mülheim, highlighting the city’s sporting legacy and offering a boost to the local economy. Consider attending to support this exciting tournament!
