Gottlieb Daimler Stadium
Stuttgart, Germany
'asp' Architekten Stuttgart

A stadium’s ongoing transformation raises it to world-class standards

© Manfred Storck

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Originally constructed in 1933, the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium has undergone several transformations since: for World Cup soccer championship in 1974; for the World Athletics Championships in 1993; and, during the past few years, to prepare the stadium for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It is now the centerpiece of NeckarPark, a 136-acre recreation area along the banks of the Neckar river. The park contains several other leisure and entertainment facilities, including a 15,000-seat sport and concert venue, and a 6,500-seat hockey arena, both also designed by ‘asp’ Architekten.

The stadium’s 366,000-square-foot roof was added in the early 1990s. Designed by Schlaich, Bergermann & Partner, it was the first use of a translucent PVC membrane suspended by a spoked-wheel framework: a roofing system now commonplace in many soccer stadiums worldwide, which can shelter spectators while still allowing a tremendous amount of light to reach the playing field.

Renovations in 1999 added a new deck of seating to one of the stadium’s two main grandstands. Asp was engaged for a renovation in 2004 to rebuild the opposite grandstand, add an extra deck to it, and bring the stadium’s perimeter and technical infrastructure up to World Cup standards. Program requirements included new catering facilities, additional restrooms, new locker rooms, and storage.

The interior of the new grandstand houses a five-level building that serves as the load-bearing structure for a new 2,150-seat upper deck: literally and figuratively, it serves as the keystone of Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadium. A new food-court improves visitor convenience, while the ticketing area was completely revamped to create separate entrances for local fans as well as visitors from out of town. The stadium now seats a total of 56,000 people.

Formal name of Project:
Gottlieb Daimler Stadium

Location:
Stuttgart, Germany

Gross square footage:
136,700 sq. ft.

Total project cost:
$64.8 million

Client:
City of Stuttgart

Architect:
'asp' Architekten Stuttgart
Arat – Siegel – Schust
Herdweg 64
D-70174 Stuttgart, Germany
49-711-223-38-0 tel.
49-711-223-38-88 fax
asp-stuttgart.de

Photo © Dietmar Strauss