Regatta grandstand at the Baldeneysee

The regatta grandstand at the Baldeneysee in Essen is a historical icon and popular focal point for visitors to Lake Baldeney in Essen's Ruhr Valley. Together with the regatta tower, the regatta grandstand forms an ensemble that has shaped the appearance of the northern shore of Lake Baldeney since the 1930s. The tower and grandstand therefore have a long and interesting history. In addition to its unmistakable appearance, the regatta grandstand plays an important role in the numerous sports competitions on the Baldeneysee the regatta. In addition, the regatta grandstand offers plenty of space for lingering at the Baldeneysee and is a place for rest and relaxation.

The regatta grandstand is almost as old as the Baldeneysee itself. Since the 1930s, it has provided seating for visitors to Lake Baldeney and the water sports competitions that take place there, such as sailing, rowing and canoeing regattas. Together with the regatta tower, the Regattahaus, the regatta parking lot and the regatta course, it forms a thematic unit. The terraced, elongated structure is framed by a white-painted metal frame. The regatta grandstand can be accessed via steps from both the parking lot and the lakeside. Straight wooden benches without backrests provide space for those seeking rest and relaxation.

Over the decades, the regatta grandstand has been repaired again and again in a simple manner. Railings and plaster have been painted and the platforms replaced. Time and again, the regatta grandstand is plagued by vandalism. Another major annoyance are people who do not dispose of garbage and leftover food in the garbage cans provided, but simply leave it on the regatta grandstand. Due to the construction of the grandstand, cleaning it the "morning after" is very time-consuming. Over the decades, the construction seems to have lost its functionality and modernity. In any case, the city of Essen decided some time ago to comprehensively modernize the regatta grandstand.