The Graz stadium summit is over – with bad news for the GAK: the expansion of the Weinzödl training center is off the table. Now they are looking for a new location for the red jackets. Sturm’s proposal to buy the Merkur Arena in Liebenau is also being investigated.
The first setback for Sturm and the GAK came even before the summit started: after a long delay, the club officials received the report for a possible GAK stadium in Weinzödl. Contents: Expansion in the north of Graz is not possible due to groundwater protection.
A bitter pill for (football) black and red, especially since mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ) made it clear to the “Krone” before the start of the meeting that handing over construction rights in Liebenau to Sturm is only an option if it is about giving go. the GAK a satisfactory solution. The summit itself then went into extra time: the participants only left the Baumkircher hall in the town hall after 225 minutes.
Storm proposals will be considered
The result? There is nothing really tangible to see. Sturm handed over his concept for the takeover of the Merkur Arena. “These proposals are now being examined,” said Michael Ehmann, SPÖ club president and coordinator of the stadium working group.
For its part, the city announced the creation of a special stadium committee with members from all political groups. Its establishment should take place formally next Wednesday, when the Finance and Participation Committee meets for a special meeting at the request of the ÖVP and KFG.
After Weinzödl’s loss, the search for a location for a GAK Arena meant a return to the starting line. “As long as there is no financially viable solution for us, there will be no Sturm-Stadion Liebenau,” emphasized GAK boss Rene Ziesler.
Sturm wants a decision before the end of the year
At Sturm, they are at least externally satisfied: “It is important that the sales process has started now. Linked to finding a location for the GAK, of course. We differ from the city in terms of time horizon, but a decision must certainly be made by the end of the year,” says president Christian Jauk.
Plan B would be the refurbishment of the Liebenauer Stadium – for both clubs. Here it is again at the start at the sports conference center, a working group has been set up. “After two years, there is actually nothing new,” says city councilor Kurt Hohensinner (ÖVP).
Source: Krone
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