Don Jackson and Armand Duplantis open the SAP Garden

Friday, 27. September 2024 | Don Jackson and Armand Duplantis open the SAP Garden

Record-breaking trainer Don Jackson and pole vault Olympic champion Armand Duplantis open the SAP Garden// GRAND OPENINGThe SAP Garden was officially opened on Friday evening with EHC Red Bull München's game against the Buffalo Sabres from the National Hockey League (NHL).

Coaching legend Don Jackson and pole vault star Armand Duplantis jointly ushered in a new era in Munich ice hockey shortly before 8:30 pm.

Of course, Jackson could not miss the Grand Opening of the SAP Garden. After all, the former successful Munich coach, who has worked as our organization's Head of Coaching Development since his career ended in April 2023, led the Red Bulls to a total of four championships between 2014 and 2023 - including a hat-trick of titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. He also took EHC Red Bull Munich to the Champions League final in 2019, a feat never before achieved by a German team.

Jackson and Duplantis with the symbolic bully of honor

It was no coincidence that the US-American officially opened our new home with a symbolic bullseye of honor immediately before the start of the game. A great and touching moment, also for the record-breaking coach of the German Ice Hockey League. The legendary duo received the puck from the hands of top German Formula 3 talent Tim Tramnitz, who is part of the Red Bull Junior Team.

In his 18 years as a coach in the DEL, Jackson has coached a total of 1072 games for Munich, the Eisbären Berlin and the Düsseldorfer EG, more than anyone else. He won five more championship titles with the Eisbären. As an active player, the former NHL professional won the Stanley Cup twice with the Edmonton Oilers.

Armand Duplantis: An Olympic champion in the Olympic Park

At Jackson's side: Red Bull athlete Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, another legend of his sport. The 24-year-old is currently the best pole vaulter on the planet. It was only in August that the Swede became Olympic champion for the second time in Paris with a world record height of 6.25 meters. Only a short time later, he improved his own record to 6.26 meters.