Showcase VfB Stuttgart 2025
The event will take place on Wednesday 10 September at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
About the SGL Showcase
With successful editions earlier this year at Olympique de Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome, and last year at NK Osijek’s Opus Arena in Croatia, and Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge. It’s now time for the SGL Showcase to be hosted at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart
During this unique event, we’ll showcase ways of high-level pitch management with a focus on LED grow lighting. Highly regarded (guest) speakers will share their knowledge and experience through practical examples. During the pitch visit and live demos, you will see the latest technology in action. And of course, there will be plenty of time to network with fellow industry professionals.
VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart is one of Germany’s most traditional and well-respected football clubs, with a history that dates back to its founding in 1893. Over the decades, the club has celebrated numerous achievements, including five German championships and several appearances in European competitions. VfB is known for its strong youth academy, which has produced some of the country’s finest talents and continues to play a key role in the club’s identity.
With a loyal and passionate fan base, VfB Stuttgart enjoys strong support both at home in the MHP Arena and across the country. The club’s philosophy combines performance with tradition, community values, and a commitment to development on and off the pitch. Whether battling for points in the Bundesliga or investing in future talent, VfB remains a pillar of German football with deep regional roots and growing international recognition.
MHP Arena
The MHP Arena is the main football stadium in Stuttgart. It’s the home of VfB Stuttgart, one of Germany’s best-known football clubs. The stadium can hold more than 60,000 people and is used not only for Bundesliga matches, but also for concerts, public viewings, and other large events. It has been modernised several times in recent years to meet today’s standards. It now has comfortable seats, modern player facilities, and updated lighting and media systems. These improvements make it a great venue for sports and entertainment.
The MHP Arena is located in a big sports area called Neckarpark. This area also includes other arenas, sports halls, and event spaces. The stadium is easy to reach by train, bus, or car, which makes it popular for local visitors and people coming from further away. Whether you’re a football fan, event guest, or visitor, the MHP Arena offers a welcoming and well-organised experience.
Programme
We are organising a dinner on Tuesday evening, 9 September. If you would like to join, we ask you kindly to let us know via the registration form.
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
| 07:30 | Breakfast |
| 08:15 | Bus to MHP stadium (15 min no traffic) |
| 08:45 | Welcome & coffee |
| 09:00 | Welcome Presentation + SGL presentation |
| 09:45 | Presentation by Fabian Riesterer (VfB Stuttgart) |
| 10:30 | Coffee break |
| 10:45 | Pitch visit stadium |
| 12:15 | Presentation by Alan Russell (Arsenal F.C.) |
| 13:00 | Networking lunch |
| 14:00 | Panel Session |
| 14:30 | SGL presentation |
| 15:00 | Questions & closing |
| 15:15 | Networking drinks |
| 16:00 | End |
Guest speakers
Alan Russell – Head Groundsperson at Arsenal F.C.
Alan Russell joined Arsenal Football Club in 2010 as an Assistant Grounds Person and worked his way up to become Head Groundsperson in 2019. In this role, he is responsible for maintaining the pitch at the Emirates Stadium – one of the most iconic venues in English football, with a capacity of over 60,000. Alan leads a dedicated team to ensure the playing surface meets the highest standards for performance and safety, using a combination of experience, innovation, and precise day-to-day management. His work plays a crucial role in supporting Arsenal’s on-pitch success throughout the season.
Fabian Riesterer – Head Groundsman at VfB Stuttgart
As Head Groundsman of VfB Stuttgart, Fabian Riesterer oversees the pitch at the MHP Arena, ensuring it meets the high demands of Bundesliga football. He stepped into the role in 2020, following years of experience within the club’s grounds team. Known for his practical, hands-on approach and deep understanding of turf management, Fabian leads the maintenance of both the match pitch and the club’s training facilities.
The MHPArena is a historic stadium with over 60,000 seats, and maintaining its pitch comes with challenges like changing weather and a busy match schedule. Fabian uses his knowledge and new techniques to keep the surface in top condition. His daily work relies on accuracy, teamwork, and a strong understanding of what top-level football needs.
Ruby Hanna Hotel
The Ruby Hanna Hotel in Stuttgart is the perfect base for attending our event in the city. Located in the heart of Stuttgart, it offers easy access to key attractions and transport links, making it an ideal choice for you to stay. The hotel features modern rooms with large beds, cozy living areas, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring a comfortable stay.
During your visit, enjoy the 24-hour bar/lounge area, offering drinks and snacks in a relaxed setting. Guests have praised its stylish design, cleanliness, and friendly service. With a nearby parking garage offering discounts for guests, Ruby Hanna is the perfect place to stay.
A hotel night costs 145 euros, including breakfast. If you would like to make use of this, please indicate this in the registration form. We will then send you the booking link. Offer expires on July 26.
Registration form
Who from SGL are present?
Interview with Fabian Riesterer
From relegation battles to Champions League glory, VfB Stuttgart’s stunning turnaround isn’t just happening on the pitch—it’s happening beneath it. Head Greenkeeper Fabian Riesterer, armed with cutting-edge LED grow lighting, is ensuring the MHP Arena turf is ready to host Europe’s elite. Discover how innovation, passion, and trust transformed the club’s playing surface into a sustainable masterpiece fit for football’s biggest stage.
Terms and Conditions
- Commercial parties are not allowed to participate in this event.
- SGL reserves the right, at any time, to decline event registrations or close registrations early if it deems the number of registrations to be excessive.
- A maximum of 2 people per club/venue/company is allowed to participate.
- If the maximum number of registrants is reached, SGL reserves the right to place individuals on a waiting list until new availability arises.
- Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Participation in the programme is free of charge.
- SGL offers a hotel option, but you are responsible for booking and payment of the hotel. The booking link will be shared with you later by email.
- Transport to and from the event has to be arranged by yourself and are at your own expense.
- Personal information provided during registration will be used solely for event coordination purposes and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent.
- By attending the event, participants consent to the use of their image and likeness in event-related photos and videos for promotional purposes in the futute.
Cancellation
- If you are already registered, but can no longer participate, please inform us by sending an email to: marketing@sglsystem.com
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