Mercedes-Benz Arena

In the heart of the vibrant Friedrichshain district in Berlin, the capital of Germany, lies one of Europe's most modern and multifunctional venues. Today known as the Uber Arena, this venue was previously named the Mercedes-Benz Arena and quickly became an iconic location for major events. The arena is a magnet for both locals and tourists, offering a rich program of events throughout the year.

This impressive arena serves as the home ground for two famous Berlin sports clubs: the Eisbären hockey team and the Alba basketball team. The atmosphere during matches here is simply electric, making a game visit an unforgettable experience. In addition to sporting events, the arena hosts concerts by world stars, grand shows, and other entertainment events attracting thousands of spectators.

Designed by the architectural firm JSK Architekten, the arena is striking in its scale and technology. It can accommodate up to 17,000 spectators for concerts, making it one of the largest indoor venues in the country. Thanks to its versatility, the space easily transforms from a hockey ice rink into a basketball court or a concert hall, confirming its status as one of the most advanced sports and entertainment complexes in Europe.

To get the most up-to-date information on upcoming events, ticket purchases, and venue rules for Uber Arena (formerly known as Mercedes-Benz Arena), it is recommended to visit the official website. The main contact details for reaching the venue management are provided below.

A visit to Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena) is primarily an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of major sports and grand shows. The arena regularly hosts various sporting events, including thrilling hockey and basketball matches. You have the chance to cheer for the famous Eisbären hockey club or support the Alba basketball team during their home games, enjoying the professionalism of the athletes and the incredible atmosphere in the stands.

Beyond sports, the arena is one of Berlin's premier concert venues, hosting top-tier international stars. Thanks to modern technical equipment and excellent acoustics, every show becomes an unforgettable event. Whether it's a concert by a favorite performer, such as Sting or Katy Perry, or a large-scale entertainment production, Uber Arena offers a top-level experience.

Even if you step away from your seat for a drink or food, you won't miss a single important moment. The arena is equipped with a modern HD broadcast system that displays the action on screens in the food courts and shops. This allows you to move freely around the complex, visit dining areas, or pick out souvenirs in branded shops while staying informed about everything happening on stage or on the court.

Getting to Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena), located in the central district of Friedrichshain, is easiest by public transport, which is highly recommended due to excellent connections. Two major stations are located in the immediate vicinity: S+U Warschauer Straße and Ostbahnhof. From Warschauer Straße station, served by S-Bahn trains (lines S3, S5, S7, S9), U-Bahn metro (U1, U3), buses, and trams, the walk to the entrance takes only about 5 minutes. The major Ostbahnhof station is about a 12-minute walk away and handles not only city trains but also regional and high-speed trains (ICE, IC, EC), making the arena easily accessible for guests from other regions of Germany. A nice bonus: on weekends, S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines operate 24 hours a day.

For those who prefer private transport, remember that traffic around the arena can be heavy on event days, so it is best to allow extra time. There are paid parking lots nearby, but a convenient alternative is the Park & Ride system: you can leave your car at one of the many parking lots on the outskirts and reach the venue by public transport. A taxi or rideshare from central Berlin is quick, and special drop-off and pick-up zones are available for passenger convenience. Additionally, the arena is easy to reach by bicycle, with bike parking provided nearby.

The history of the venue known today as Uber Arena began relatively recently. The foundation stone was laid on September 13, 2006, and construction lasted from 2006 to 2008. The official opening took place in September 2008, marked by a Metallica concert. The project cost an impressive 165 million euros, highlighting the scale and ambition of the design.

One of the most notable features of the venue's history is the frequent name changes. Originally, from 2008 to 2015, it was known as O2 World Berlin, thanks to a sponsorship deal with Telefónica Germany. In 2015, the naming rights were acquired by the automotive giant Mercedes-Benz, and the venue became the Mercedes-Benz Arena. This contract was intended for 20 years, yet history took a new turn.

In 2024, the arena changed its signs again, becoming the "Uber Arena." This change also affected the surrounding area: the Verti Music Hall was renamed Uber Eats Music Hall, and Mercedes Platz became Uber Platz. Despite these name changes, its role as one of Berlin's main centers for cultural and sporting life remains unchanged. Since its opening, the venue has hosted countless concerts by world stars, major sports championships, and spectacular shows, firmly establishing its status as an iconic location in the German capital.

Planning a visit to Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena) depends directly on the event you are attending. Most of your time will be taken up by the event itself, whether it's a concert, a hockey match, or a basketball game. On average, a concert or sporting event lasts between 2 and 3 hours. However, this is just the duration of the show or match itself, without accounting for other important aspects.

To get the most enjoyment from your visit and avoid rushing, it is recommended to set aside about 3-4 hours, or even half a day. You should arrive early, at least an hour before the event starts, to pass through security, find your section and seat, and look around. During this time, you can visit food courts or souvenir shops. After the event ends, it will also take time to leave the arena along with thousands of other spectators. Thus, visiting the arena is not just watching an event, but a full experience that requires a sufficient amount of time.

Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena) does not have standard opening hours like a museum or a park, as its schedule is entirely tied to the event calendar. The arena opens its doors to visitors only on days of concerts, sporting matches, and other shows. Generally, entry begins 1.5–2 hours before the official start of the event, giving guests enough time to pass through security, find their seats, and visit the food courts. The venue operates year-round, so events take place in every season.

Since entry is only possible with a ticket for a specific event, it is highly recommended to purchase them in advance, especially for performances by popular artists and key sports games. The most reliable way to buy is through the arena's official website or authorized ticket partners. All necessary information, including the exact start time of the event and the door opening time, is always indicated on the ticket itself or on the event page on the website.

Visiting Uber Arena (formerly Mercedes-Benz Arena) is an excellent opportunity to explore one of Berlin's most dynamic and interesting districts — Friedrichshain. Located on the banks of the Spree River, this part of the city is rich in history, street art, and a vibrant atmosphere. A stroll through the neighborhood before a concert or after a match will allow you to dive deeper into the life of the German capital and make your trip even more memorable.

The area offers many leisure options, from exploring the remains of the Berlin Wall to relaxing in cozy cafes and parks. Just a few minutes' walk from the arena are iconic landmarks that are definitely worth a visit. Below is a list of nearby attractions to help you plan your route.