In 2024, the MHP-Arena would host matches of the UEFA European Championship. To meet the requirements of a state-of-the-art European Championship stadium, the arena has been modernized. In particular, the main stand has been expanded and the tiers and fan curves have been further developed. The main stand, from 1974, has been completely rebuilt and extended to the roof girders. This has created 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 was carried out on the existing structure, any interference with it was minimized and load increases avoided. As a result, the existing structural system has remained essentially the same. Furthermore, the demolition edge was managed in such a way that load transfer was ensured during the entire construction period as well as in the final state. The reconstruction has created 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 has been recycled. Technical components and parts of the existing interior have been reused as far as possible for the new structure. Material that could not be used has been further processed by a specialist company, significantly reducing the amount of construction waste. Furthermore, a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 300 kWpeak has been installed on the top crescents of the upper pressure ring of the roof structure. The system supplies electricity for the stadium’s own consumption. The refurbishment of the arena took place during regular game operations – completion was scheduled for the beginning of 2024.
