MHPArena

The ground was built in 1933 as Neckarstadion, intended to serve Stuttgart's growing appetite for large-scale sporting events. Architect Paul Bonatz, best known for Stuttgart's main railway station, designed the structure in a style consistent with inter-war German monumentalism.

Construction and opening

The stadium opened on 28 October 1933. Early capacity relied heavily on standing areas typical of the era. The name Neckarstadion referenced the nearby river. During the Second World War the venue served various purposes before returning to sport after 1945.

Major renovations

The most transformative change came in 2009, when the athletics track was removed and the stadium was converted into a football-specific venue — stands were moved closer to the pitch and all seats were covered. This work was driven partly by UEFA requirements ahead of hosting major tournaments. Earlier, the stadium was renamed Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in 1993 in honour of the automotive pioneer, then Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2008 under a commercial sponsorship deal, and finally MHPArena in 2022.

Notable moments

The stadium's European pedigree is extraordinary. It hosted the 1959 European Cup Final (Real Madrid vs. Stade Reims) and the 1988 European Cup Final (PSV Eindhoven vs. Benfica). It staged the 1986 European Athletics Championships and the 1993 World Athletics Championships. World Cup matches followed in 1974 and 2006, Euro matches in 1988 and 2024, making it the only European venue with this breadth of major-tournament hosting.

The atmosphere at MHPArena is rooted in a deep regional pride that distinguishes VfB Stuttgart fans from the club cultures of larger German football centres. Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg and its football identity carries a distinctly Swabian character — modest in demeanour but fierce in loyalty.

Fan culture

The Cannstatter Kurve (north end) is the stadium's cauldron — the active supporter section where ultra groups such as Schwabensturm lead chants, flags, and choreographies in VfB's claret and white colours. The fanbase blends urban Stuttgart residents with supporters from across the Swabian countryside. Derby matches against Karlsruhe, Freiburg, or Hoffenheim ignite a regional rivalry that electrifies the whole ground. The stadium's conversion to an all-seater football-specific arena in 2009 brought the stands physically closer to the pitch, adding to the sense of intensity.

Big matches

The 1959 European Cup Final and 1988 European Cup Final established the stadium's status as a stage for European football history long before the modern Champions League era. On UEFA Euro 2024, the arena welcomed supporters from across the continent and was praised for its matchday organisation. VfB Stuttgart's Champions League nights in recent seasons have transformed Bad Cannstatt into a focal point of European football attention and demonstrated that the MHPArena can hold its own against the most celebrated venues on the continent.

MHPArena is well served by Stuttgart's integrated public transport network. Advance planning is advisable for sold-out Bundesliga or European fixtures.

How to get there

• S-Bahn: Lines S1 and S2, station Neckarpark (Arena) — a short walk to the stadium entrance, approximately 15 minutes from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof
• U-Bahn: Line U11 Stadion operates on matchdays from Hauptbahnhof directly to the stadium
• Car: Motorways A8 and A81 connect to Bad Cannstatt; parking near the stadium is limited and park-and-ride shuttle services run from remote lots on big matchdays
• Cycling: Neckar riverside cycle paths lead directly to the stadium

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for VfB Stuttgart are sold through the official club website. High-profile Bundesliga and Champions League fixtures sell out well in advance. Guided stadium tours are occasionally available — check the official MHPArena website for current schedules and pricing.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: 45-60 minutes before kick-off; turnstile queues grow quickly on busy matchdays
• Transport: Public transport is strongly recommended — trains are fast and parking is limited
• Food and drink: Stadium concourses offer standard German matchday fare (Bratwurst, pretzels, beer); Bad Cannstatt's town centre has restaurants and bars within easy walking distance