MHP Arena in Stuttgart

Transport Connections and Location

The Mercedes-Benz Arena stands out for its excellent location in the Neckarpark district of Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, an area known as a center for sports, culture, and events. This strategic position ensures easy access for  local as well as international visitors.

The arena is well-connected to the public transportation network:

Several S-Bahn lines, including S1, S2, and S3, provide a direct connection from Stuttgart Central Station to the nearby “NeckarPark (Mercedes-Benz)” stop, from where the arena is easily accessible on foot.

This promotes eco-friendly travel and helps reduce traffic congestion on event days. For visitors arriving by car, the area surrounding the arena offers numerous parking options, which are well-signposted and easy to access.

Multiple parking garages and lots are located nearby and are designed to accommodate large events, ensuring smooth arrival and departure. However, early arrival is recommended, as parking spaces can fill up quickly during major events.

The arena is also conveniently located near key road connections, including the B10 highway and the A81 motorway, providing quick access from the surrounding regions.

Visitors traveling from further afield benefit from excellent connections to Stuttgart Airport, which is reachable via the S-Bahn in about 30 minutes.

This outstanding infrastructure makes the Mercedes-Benz Arena one of the most accessible event venues in Germany, enhancing its appeal to visitors from across Europe.

History of the Arena

The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart was originally built between 1929 and 1933 and opened under the name “Stuttgarter Kampfbahn.” In the post-war years, it was renamed “Neckarstadion” in 1949 and became one of Germany’s largest and most versatile sports venues. The arena underwent numerous renovations and modernizations to meet changing demands. In the 1970s, it was extensively remodeled for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, including the addition of a new main stand.

The name change to “Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion” occurred in the 1990s when the automobile manufacturer Daimler-Benz contributed significantly to the renovation funding. Another major modernization took place before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, during which the stadium hosted six matches, including the third-place playoff. The most extensive renovation happened in 2008, when the arena was converted into a football-only stadium and renamed “Mercedes-Benz Arena.” These upgrades included lowering the pitch and moving the stands closer to the field to create a more intense atmosphere. The work, completed in 2011, transformed the arena into a modern venue with a capacity of over 60,000 seats.

Architecture and appearance

The Mercedes-Benz Arena stands out for its modern architecture, which combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. A particularly striking feature is the roof design, which contributes to impressive acoustics. The four main sections include the main stand, the opposite stand, the Cannstatter Kurve—home to the loyal VfB Stuttgart fans—and the Untertürkheimer Kurve.

Since its conversion into a football-only stadium, the pitch has been lowered, and the stands have been moved closer to the field to create a more intense atmosphere during matches. The architecture of the Mercedes-Benz Arena reflects a harmonious blend of historical elements and modern construction techniques. The lowering of the pitch by several meters brought the stands closer to the action, enhancing the sense of intimacy between fans and the game.

A key feature of the arena is its roof, which not only provides protection but also enhances acoustics, contributing to an electrifying stadium experience. The main stand houses VIP lounges, media areas, and press seats, while the Cannstatter Kurve, known for its passionate VfB Stuttgart supporters, offers an impressive standing capacity of approximately 8,000. The facility is designed to be both visually appealing and highly functional, making it one of the most modern stadiums in Europe.

Recent renovations have included expansions in the upper tier areas to increase comfort and capacity, along with the installation of advanced technological systems to optimize lighting and security.

Events

The arena is home to the Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart and has hosted numerous international sporting events, including matches of the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the UEFA Euro 1988. In addition to football matches, the arena is a popular venue for major concerts and events, attracting artists and visitors from around the world.

The arena offers a versatile event space with a unique backdrop. Spanning over 8,000 square meters, the business areas provide customized options for a wide range of events. With ample space and various flexible room configurations, there are virtually no limits to what can be achieved.

Whether for:

• Conferences, congresses, or conventions

• Meetings, seminars, or workshops

• Summer festivals, club anniversaries, or corporate celebrations

Every event becomes a special experience.

Ecological and social responsibility

The Mercedes-Benz Arena places great emphasis on sustainability. Energy-efficient measures have been implemented to reduce its CO₂ footprint, with modern systems helping to lower energy and water consumption.

Photovoltaic systems on the arena’s roof generate electricity efficiently, contributing to sustainable energy use. Additionally, a sustainable turf management strategy is in place.

The conversion into a football-only stadium was part of this strategy, aimed at optimizing resource consumption and ensuring the arena’s long-term viability. Alongside environmental responsibility, social responsibility is also a key focus. The arena is one of Germany’s leading stadiums in terms of accessibility.

In addition to wheelchair-accessible seating, the arena offers 40 seats for visually impaired spectators to experience the stadium atmosphere. On matchdays, they receive headphones to follow live audio commentary, allowing them to enjoy the game experience fully.

Visitor experience and service

Visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Arena can look forward to a comprehensive range of services designed to make their stay as pleasant as possible.

The stadium is fully accessible and offers special services for guests with limited mobility, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably enjoy events.

The VIP lounges and business suites are another highlight, providing premium comfort and service during both VfB Stuttgart home games and major international events.

The arena’s diverse culinary offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. Modern digital solutions, such as mobile ticketing systems and interactive information displays, help visitors navigate the stadium smoothly and make the most of their time.

Friendly staff are always on hand to assist with questions and concerns, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience for every guest.

Why is it worth a visit?

The Mercedes-Benz Arena impressively combines tradition and modernity, remaining a central part of Stuttgart’s sports and cultural landscape. With its innovative architecture, which integrates both historical and contemporary elements, and its premium services, the arena sets standards in the Bundesliga and beyond.

Its commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient measures highlights a forward-looking approach. The arena offers an outstanding visitor experience, from VIP lounges to accessible areas, creating an inclusive environment for all.

As a place of sporting passion and social connection, the Mercedes-Benz Arena strengthens regional unity and positions itself as an international flagship venue for events of all kinds.

Learn more about the arena at www.mhparena-stuttgart.de.