Advance from Graz – Not in Vienna! The head of the country wants a national stadium

Unfortunately, the stadium debate in Styria now has a beard. As is known, championship candidate Sturm, who has been fighting for his own home in Graz-Liebenau for a long time, will be forced to move to Klagenfurt if he enters the Football Champions League. Hartberg faces the same fate if they reach the European Cup, they would have to play in Linz. With the existing infrastructure, the Hartberger Arena will completely lose its suitability for the Bundesliga in 2025/2026. And the promotion of the GAK to the Bundesliga (also plays in the Liebenau Merkur Arena) also brought “Zunder” into play.

This dire situation from Styrian perspective – especially in the capital Graz – is now appealing to State Governor Christopher Drexler. “Graz is the football capital of Austria, Styria is the football state of Austria. It is therefore a pity that we cannot play Champions League matches in Graz and also stay out of international football matches. The remarkable success of Styrian football clubs in recent years underlines that no one can ignore Styria, especially when it comes to football. “I would therefore like to propose that the planned new national stadium come to Styria,” said the Father of State.

The debate about a new national stadium surrounding a possible expansion, renovation or new construction of the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna’s Prater feels as if it has the same long beard as the stadium issue in Styria. That’s why, according to Drexler, you can essentially kill two birds with one stone. “Not everything always has to be based in Vienna; there are also good reasons to promote sports infrastructure outside the federal capital. In any case, I am not aware of any constitutional provision stating that such a stadium must necessarily be located in Vienna,” said the ÖVP politician, who is already considering one or two Styrian properties.

“There were considerations and a feasibility study about a national stadium in the south of Graz more than twenty years ago. That is why I believe that we could build a national stadium there. The exact location still needs to be checked, but there is no doubt that there is sufficient capacity in the south of Graz.” Drexler mentioned the large area in the south of Graz around the Schwarzl recreation center as an example of different variants.

The multiple use of a stadium would be an advantage for Drexler. “A national stadium could certainly also be a multifunctional arena for concerts and the like. We have one of the largest concert organizers in the south of Graz and can really use an internationally suitable event location with a concert focus and appeal far into the south of Europe.”

It is clear that the possible major project that Drexler has in mind is not a short-term solution for the affected Styrian clubs. Here Drexler appeals to the city of Graz in the stadium case involving Sturm and GAK. “I would like to remind you that, at my initiative as State Sports Councilor, we had a stadium summit in December 2021 with all Styrian Bundesliga and second division clubs, the responsible mayors and the city of Graz. Unfortunately, nothing of note has happened since then. In any case, the city of Graz is obliged to reach an agreement with the SK Sturm and the GAK. What is out of the question for me, for safety reasons alone, is that investments in the Graz Merkur Arena are absolutely necessary!”

12 million for Hartberg
And not only there. “I don’t want Hartberg to be forced to be relegated because the stadium’s qualification is withdrawn. But those responsible must also wonder how big a stadium should be in Hartberg. In any case, the Styrian state government has already promised support of up to 12 million euros.”

The reaction of the Styrian Bundesliga clubs to LH Drexler’s initiative is ambivalent. “It is good that the state is making progress in the case,” says GAK boss René Ziesler. “When it comes to football infrastructure, we must think about it with general responsibility and ultimately invest continuously; it is also about the youth in our clubs.” Sturm chairman Christian Jauk likes to support “anything that benefits the sport and therefore health. But visions usually become purely political issues. That is why I continue to advocate for a timely and feasible solution.” Hartberg chairman Erich Korherr hits the same nail. “This vision is nice for Styria and a way to think about the future, but it does not solve our problems at the moment and is not what we need in Styria at the moment. We currently do not have a UEFA compliant stadium in our state. Many questions need to be answered for a multifunctional arena. Who gets priority and when: the football clubs or the concert organizers? Who is going to play in the stadium in such a way that all costs are covered?”