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Adolf Hitler, Jesse Owens and Berlin's Olympiastadion: The complicated history of an NFL venue

Berlin's Olympiastadion, originally constructed under the orders of Adolf Hitler for the 1936 Olympic Games, stands as a complex symbol of Germany's past. The stadium, with its imposing architecture and Nazi-era relics, was designed as a propaganda tool for the regime, yet it also witnessed moments of defiance, most notably Jesse Owens' four gold medals, which challenged the racist ideologies of the time. After the Second World War, the venue was repurposed by Allied forces and gradually integrated into Berlin's civic and sporting life, hosting major international events and concerts while preserving its historical significance through museums and guided tours.

Over the decades, Germany has confronted the legacy of the Olympiastadion with a focus on education and remembrance, ensuring that its dark origins are neither forgotten nor glorified. Renovated for the 2006 World Cup, the stadium now serves as a modern sports and entertainment venue, home to Hertha Berlin and the site of numerous high-profile events, including the upcoming American football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts. The Olympiastadion remains a place where history, memory, and modern culture intersect, embodying both the weight of the past and the vibrancy of the present.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5559958/2025/11/07/nfl-falcons-colts-olympiastadion-final-berlin-history/
Source Id: 8945241232

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