Since November 2025, 1. FC Kaiserslautern has been reliably supplied with district heating. The symbolic kick-off for the sustainable heating supply to the Fritz-Walter-Stadion has now taken place as part of an inauguration ceremony. On 4 February 2026, all those involved gathered at the Fritz-Walter Stadium. They celebrated their joint successful commitment and first-class teamwork in achieving sustainable security of supply in record time.
Regional strength as the key to success | In the Palatinate, FCK stands for more than just football. It stands for solidarity, resilience and pride in the region. This ethos has also shaped the project from the outset and ultimately made all the difference. The whole team worked in a solution-oriented manner. They know and understand one another – that was crucial. Especially as this major project was driven by a tight schedule.
A symbol of regional identity is also reflected in the design of the district heating station. SWK deliberately chose Daniel Ferino, from Maltag, for this project. Under the slogan ‘We’ll warm you up!’, this authentic artist – who has close ties to active fan culture – has brilliantly highlighted the importance of the district heating supply for 1. FC Kaiserslautern. Daniel Ferino is no stranger to SWK. Many of the municipal utility company’s technical installations bear his signature and visually demonstrate the SWK Group’s regional roots.
SWK – Energy Partner of the Palatinate | It was no coincidence that the contract for heat supply was awarded to SWK. The SWK Group stands for reliability, short lines of communication and a deep understanding of the region and its people. This knowledge and sense of connection are an indispensable part of successful and sustainable development. This has clearly paid off in this major project.
Fritz-Walter Stadion Kaiserslautern GmbH | The stadium company is responsible for the refurbishment and sustainable development of the stadium and its surrounding areas. It creates the conditions necessary for 1. FC Kaiserslautern to play and operate successfully at its home ground. Following a comprehensive analysis of the stadium’s old heating systems, the most forward-looking concept for the stadium was implemented in collaboration with partners SWK, WVE and 1. FCK. This was carried out in line with the agreed timeframe and budget. The switch to district heating not only ensures the stadium’s supply of heating energy for match days, administrative operations and events, but also provides a modern, efficient, sustainable and low-maintenance solution that will meet the high energy requirements of a stadium of this scale in the long term.
Smart solution creates transparency | The new heating system offers a whole range of concrete benefits. It really comes into its own when it comes to consumption, temperature and comparative data. With a smart city solution from SWK iNet, all data relating to the district heating supply is consolidated on a single platform. This ensures maximum transparency, as peaks in consumption, unusual temperature trends or deviations from normal operation can be identified at a glance. This helps both to respond to faults at an early stage and to optimise the system.
Comments on the project | Dr Arvid Blume, who, as Managing Director of SWK Stadtwerke Kaiserslautern GmbH, represents the companies of the SWK Group, extends his thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the district heating supply at the Fritz-Walter Stadium: “This project has taken the pitch by storm at an impressive pace. We owe this to a well-coordinated team – not just within our SWK Group. Representatives from the stadium company, FCK and our regional partners were also part of the team. Together, we pulled in the same direction with great commitment, short decision-making processes and a shared goal in mind. This combination of regional expertise and team spirit made all the difference. For all of us, the heating supply for 1. FC Kaiserslautern is a flagship project. Every step was executed perfectly and the goal was achieved in record time.”
Michelle Dillinger, Head of Stadium Operations and Infrastructure at 1. FC Kaiserslautern: “For us at the Betze, it is hugely important that the heating supply functions reliably at all times, which is a challenge for a stadium of our size. We also attach great importance to sustainable and future-proof solutions. The rapid connection to the district heating network was, in many respects, the ideal way for us to combine operational safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness with the support of regional and reliable partners.
By switching to district heating and optimising the entire system with the help of the professionals at Team SWK, we have taken another leap forward in terms of future-proof stadium operations.”
Dr Stefan Weiler, Managing Director of Fritz-Walter-Stadion Kaiserslautern GmbH, adds: “By installing district heating in the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in collaboration with our regional partners, we have made a strong statement about our stadium on the Betzenberg through this investment. Our team is proud that, together with our partners FCK, WVE and SWK, we were able to meet the tight schedule and thus implement a new, sustainable and future-proof heating system. This provides both the stadium company and 1. FCK with greater predictability. Further projects and measures will follow.”
Beate Kimmel, Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern, is also delighted with the success: “Kaiserslautern is a footballing city. The Fritz-Walter Stadium, a landmark for many football fans, is inextricably linked to Kaiserslautern. And that is true in the truest sense of the word, as the city has taken on responsibility through the stadium company. Kaiserslautern is a city committed to the future. With the district heating supply at the Fritz-Walter Stadium, we are setting new standards in energy efficiency and taking an important step towards a forward-looking energy policy.”