Carl-Benz-Stadion – stadium description

Plans to build a new stadium in Mannheim appeared already in 1979, but not much had been done in those days. Construction started in 1992 and resulted in new ground being opened in 1994. Although it belongs to the municipality, the tenants were always Waldhof Mannheim. Due to high noise and traffic local residents restricted the number of events. In 2011 the city and community members agreed on 27 events, not counting internationals. This makes it possible for only one club per season to play home games here. It has been Waldhof for years, but the municipality announced that contract will be signed with the biggest club locally, so if Waldhof loose their status, they may also loose the venue.

Stadium was designed by Folker Fiebiger and named after Carl Benz. On one hand the creator of Mercedes was connected to Mannheim, but on the other – it was partly sign of gratitude to Daimler AG for donating a new giant screen in 2008. Though regarded as repaying the debt, name was given indefinately, with no expiry date.

Since 1994 Carl-Benz-Stadion was host not only to Waldhof, but also to four national team games – two by men (against Liechtenstein in 1996 and Luxemburg in 1998) and two by female squad (Japan in 2009, Spain in 2012). It was also one of the host venues of U21 Euro 2004.