In 2024, the Mercedes-Benz Arena will host matches of the UEFA European Championship. To meet the requirements of a state-of-the-art European Championship stadium, the arena is therefore being modernized. In particular, the main stand is being expanded and the tiers and fan curves are being further developed. The main stand, from 1974, is being completely rebuilt and extended to the roof girders. This will create new sports function rooms, a new hospitality area, a new press conference room and a new utility corridor on Level 1.
As all construction work will be carried out on the existing structure, any interference with it will be minimized and load increases avoided. As a result, the existing structural system will remain essentially the same. Furthermore, the demolition edge runs in such a way that load transfer is ensured during the entire construction period as well as in the final state. The reconstruction will create almost 2,000 additional standing places in the Cannstatt fan stands, as well as a separate area with wheelchair spaces. Any building material produced during the dismantling of the stands will be recycled. Technical components and parts of the existing interior will be reused as far as possible for the new structure. Material that cannot be used will be further processed by a specialist company, which will significantly reduce the amount of construction waste. Furthermore, a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 300 kWpeak is being installed on the top crescents of the upper pressure ring of the roof structure. The system will supply electricity for the stadium’s own consumption. The refurbishment of the arena will take place during regular game operations – completion is scheduled for the beginning of 2024.
