ISTAF: Berlin Celebrates Athletics

In the middle of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin stands a large inflatable arch bearing the inscription: bett.de Mattress.

ISTAF INDOOR Berlin

The ISTAF INDOOR is an integral part of our sponsorship activities and is one of our longest-standing commitments to sport; today, we are the main sponsor. Every year, Berlin’s Uber Arena is transformed into a stage for the international athletics elite. For the 13th edition on 6 March 2026, 12,000 fans packed the sold-out arena to witness two world-leading performances of the year and three meeting records. The next edition is scheduled for 5 February 2027.

In 2024, world-class para-sprinters competed for the first time – an important sign of greater inclusion in elite sport, which has since become an integral part of the programme, complemented by Special Olympics relays and a Schools Cup. Our aim is to provide athletics with a major, high-profile platform in our home city of Berlin. Whenever Berlin celebrates athletics, we are there, year after year. This continuity is important to us, as it shows that our commitment is not a flash in the pan, but a partnership.

A track and field athlete, with his upper body turned as if to throw, stands in front of a safety net.

ISTAF in the Olympiastadion

Our commitment to athletics in Berlin does not end indoors. We are also part of the group of partners for the ISTAF, the International Stadium Festival held at the Olympic Stadium. The ISTAF is Germany’s longest-running athletics meeting; the first edition took place on 3 July 1921. We became involved in 2021, the year of its centenary. At the end of August, the meeting fills the Olympic Stadium; the next event is scheduled for 30 August 2026.

For us, this brings things full circle: the same sport, the same city – once in winter under the roof of an indoor venue and once in late summer under the open sky. Anyone wishing to experience athletics in Berlin will find us at both events.