Mannheim is the latest city in Germany to have a multifunctional arena of its own. The SAP Arena situated in the Bösfeld district and accommodating over 15,000 spectators brings together ice hockey, rock concerts, boxing and tennis on a single site. In time for the official opening of the events center with Marius Müller-Westernhagen in September, it will also be linked by tram to the north-south traffic axis. By spring 2006, the east-west line of the new eastern urban railroad will also go into operation. The materials for the new lines are being supplied by ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik on behalf of MVV-Verkehr AG and the city authorities.

Hanspeter Safferling, ThyssenKrupp GfT Gleistechnik Sales Office Manager: "We are providing a total of 27,000 meters of rails plus, from our Bochum production site, a total of 54 switches and crossings for the new line. Each of the rails has a different radius." Certain sections of the line will be given a "slab track", which yields significant advantages. Faster construction is coupled with the superior positional stability essential for a long service life, virtual maintenance-freedom and low noise.

When the east-west link is completed, the trip from the central station to the arena will take only 20 minutes. In addition, a Deutsche Bahn railroad station is also being created in the immediate proximity of the Arena. As a result, spectators will be able to get to the games of their ice hockey team as well as top-class concerts and events without tailbacks or inconvenience.