The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany was a unique media event. The city of Frankfurt, which hosted four matches, wanted the world to see it for what it is: a modern metropolis at the very heart of Europe. This called for a spectacular event that could generate images powerful enough to travel the entire planet. At Whitsun 2006, a 45-minute light and media show transformed Frankfurt’s skyline into an outsize stage for football. A dazzling cavalcade of 500 pictures, projected onto eight high-rise banks, took spectators on an eleven-stage journey through football’s great emotions, accompanied by a specially-composed soundtrack.

The Economy Department stated that the investment had indeed paid off. The cost of staging the program had been moderate, and the media interest generated by SkyArena – which was financed by sponsors – had been far greater than anything the city itself could ever have afforded.

One skyline, one event, eleven emotions: SkyArena turned the city’s trademark skyline into an urban football stage. The eleven-act production sparked a real La Ola of feelings as hope, pride or euphoria, all added up to one core message: Emotions United. Celebrated idols, match winning moments and legendary duels were composed afresh in a never-ending narrative stream, with clear graphic design elements providing the structure. A personal, moving kick-off for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Before the tournament even began, SkyArena made Frankfurt the unofficial ’World Cup capital’: Around 1 million people watched the “Miracle of the Main“ live, and 182 TV stations broadcast the spectacle to almost 100 countries. In its annual business report, the city of Frankfurt confirmed that SkyArena had earned the city worldwide recognition and significantly enhanced its image. These benefits were reflected in tourist accommodation statistics, which reached an all-time high in 2006.