Oberhof. During the world championships in biathlon (02/08/2023 - 02/19/23), Oberhof's city center around the Kurpark und town square turnes into Medal Plaza - a great party area - and also becomes a stage to present thuringia to the world. The Free State of Thuringia, the organizers and the city headed by Oberhof's Mayor Thomas Schulz have jointly put the focus on regionality and a mixture of sport as well as entertainment. “In the warm-up and the medal ceremonies artists from all over Thuringia are the stars. Together with the Fair Erfurt as the organiser, we made a very conscious decision in favor of presenting our home area. Culturally, the region offers everything you need for a good atmosphere. The variety of events will draw numerous fans to the city center,” mentions the city manager.

WARM-UP, OPENING CEREMONIES AND MEDAL CEREMONIES – THE KURPARK BECOMES MEDAL PLAZA

The opening ceremony of the BMW IBU Biathlon World Championships on February 7th will also be preceded by a warm-up. At 4 p.m. the hosts Stefanie Benke and Samu as well as the Modern Style Dancers from Meiningen and the Teenie Dance Group Haseltal, among others, will heat up the audience. During the opening show, the fans can look forward to the parade of all participating nations. The fun band "Dorfrocker" will get the party going. The three brothers Markus, Philipp and Tobias Thomann perform the official Biathlon World Cup song "O-O-Oberhof" live for the first time at the opening ceremony as part of a mini concert. During the competition days of both world championships the Kurpark becomes the Medal Plaza. Winners and will receive their medals there and be celebrated by the fans. The ceremonies will be introduced two hours before the official start with a warm-up program. Artist and sports groups from all over Free State provide variety. Artist and sports groups from Thuringia will offer a varied program.

LASER SHOW AND PROJECTION MAPPING AS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

At the opening ceremony and at the medal ceremonies, a laser show will project impressions from all over Thuringia and the sport events to create an atmospheric, world champion ambience. On selected event days, this is supplemented by an impressive facade projection at the new family hotel and at the panorama hotel.

The four dome tents with a height of up to 6 meters on the newly renovated Oberhof town square cannot be overlooked. The Free State of Thuringia as well as the ministries present their work in the so-called Thuringia Area to national and international visitors. Among others, the Thuringian Ministry for Education, Youth and Sport is represented with its teacher recruitment campaign or the Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection with a photo exhibition "At home in Thuringia - portraits of immigrants".

Topics such as civil protection, information about organ donation, sports in Thuringia at the stand of the Landessportbund Thüringen e.V. and many other exciting topics about Thuringia can be learned in the four dome tents in the Thuringia AREA on the town square.

Fans and visitors should definitely plan a visit the Domzelt of Thüringer Tourismus GmbH. Under the motto “Discover Thuringia – Nature. Culture. Insider tips.” visitors can get to know the tourism regions of Thuringia and also face a sporting challenge for a good cause. Visit the large marquee on the town square after the competitions and ceremonies, if you want to meet winter sports fans from all over the world in an relaxed atmosphere. The Thuringian Police Music Orchestra and the popular DJ Charly heat up all guests late into the night, until the next morning it's time to go to the EISARENA or the ARENA on the Rennsteig. Fans and guests can find all information and further program details on the following websites: www.oberhof23.de/en/; www.weltcup-oberhof.com and www.tsbv.de (German).

You can find the official supporting program here (in German).

Authors: (CW/SE/SL) – Images: Messe Erfurt- (map and program)