Sports Policy in Dortmund: From eSports to the Sports Master Plan

eSports and Cultural Policy: A New Sports Discourse

In Dortmund, the sports policy discourse has expanded significantly in recent years. In addition to traditional sports and infrastructure projects, the field of eSports is gaining increasing importance. The faction of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN & Volt explicitly asked the Committee for Culture, Sports, and Leisure about the extent of Dortmund's activities in the area of eSports.

Since 2024, the association Dortmund eSports e.V. has received an annual base grant of 20,000 euros. In addition, since 2022, the city has jointly organized the "eSports City Championship" with the City Sports Association Dortmund e.V., serving as a platform for young talents.

The current inquiry aims at an inventory: How are the collaborations with schools, youth facilities, and sports clubs progressing? Are there evaluations of the city championship? And how does Dortmund position itself in regional and national comparisons? These questions show that eSports is no longer just a niche phenomenon but is increasingly being integrated into broader sports and cultural policy.

The Sports Master Plan: Pathway to the Future of Sports Infrastructure

The Sports Master Plan is a central component of sports policy in Dortmund. It aims to strategically further develop the city's sports infrastructure and offerings. In February 2026, several points of the master plan were in focus, particularly the current status of the "Sports-Oriented Social Space Scharnhorst-Ost."

The Scharnhorst-Ost Sports Park is part of a comprehensive district development. The goal is to issue a construction decision by the end of 2026 and to start construction in 2027. The focus is on developing sports and movement offers that are particularly attractive to the local population. The administration was asked to explain the current status, the timeline, and the next steps until the construction decision.

Another aspect is the renovation of existing sports facilities. For example, the modernization of the sports facility in Volksgarten Mengede is planned. However, due to financial constraints, a comprehensive renovation had to be foregone. Instead, annual revisions will be used to ensure usability.

Water Dispensers and Club Support: Small Measures with a Big Impact

Another current topic of discussion was the equipping of municipal sports facilities with water dispensers. The faction BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN & Volt inquired about the current status and possible expansion plans. Water dispensers are not only a hygienic element but also a symbol of sustainability and health. They are of great importance for sports activities in the public sphere.

In addition, club support was discussed. In the past, Dortmund had a voucher system for children in primary and kindergarten age, which financially supported membership fees in sports clubs. This program was part of the efforts to make access to sports offerings easier for families. Although the program is temporary, the experiences from it could lead to further initiatives in the future, particularly regarding the promotion of girls in ball sports.

Outlook: Dortmund as a Sports and Cultural Metropolis

The sports policy debates in February 2026 show that Dortmund is not only looking at the future of sports facilities and offerings but also at the future of sports culture as a whole. With eSports, the master plan, the support of clubs, and the equipping of public sports facilities, the city is on a broad path that covers both traditional and modern aspects of the sports world.

Upcoming projects, such as the IGA 2027 with a cultural supporting program, the DORTMUND URBAN Festival, or the German Choir Festival 2029, make it clear that Dortmund is actively shaping not only sports but also culture. In the future, it will be important to preserve this diversity while making it accessible to all population groups.