MHP Arena - VfB Stuttgart
Modernisation of the MHP Arena – VfB main grandstand
In May 2022, the conversion of the MHP Arena in Stuttgart began with the goal of completing the final phase of construction work on Germany’s sixth-largest sports venue in time for the UEFA European Championship 2024. The conversion focused on the main grandstand. The lower level of the main grandstand built in 1974 was completely rebuilt and extended up to the roof supports, which considerably enlarged VfB’s business areas and enabled use as a conference centre on non-match days. The player and press areas were also expanded and redesigned in line with the requirements of the EURO.
The demanding interior fit-out included extensive wall and ceiling claddings with a volume of around €1.4 million. Different premium surface materials such as oak-veneered gypsum-fibre panels, fibre-cement panels and ribbed metal sheets were used to give the interior areas of the MHP Arena a high-quality look and lasting durability. Planning the project was particularly complex and bespoke, as numerous changes and missing information during the planning process significantly complicated execution. In many areas we had to work to plan dimensions because precise on-site surveys were not yet possible. In total, more than 100 fitted panels were produced and individually adapted to meet the specific requirements.
Another defining characteristic of this project was the extreme time pressure during installation. Because the stadium conversion took place during ongoing matchday operations, parts of the main grandstand were only available for limited use in this phase. Due to the many trades working on site and the partial absence of preceding works, precise and rapid execution was required from us. To meet the tight schedule, our fitters worked in two shifts over five weeks. In total, almost 20 fitters were on site to meet the requirements. Despite multiple postponements of the completion deadlines, the final date was met thanks to a determined push.
The interior fit-out of the MHP Arena is an impressive example of our capabilities in handling complex and time-critical projects. Despite numerous challenges – the complex planning, the high time pressure and the demanding site organisation – we successfully completed the project. We are proud of the result and would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. This project shows once again that we deliver first-class results even under the most demanding conditions.