The in-depth feasibility study for the modernization of the Liebenauer Stadium in Graz, Styria, Austria – ‘Modernization of Liebenauer Stadium’ – was completed on schedule by the City Planning Department on May 11th thus providing the technical support and solution for building an international standard football stadium.
The City of Graz has found that modernization of the Liebenauer Stadium would be possible with a budget of €60m (£51.9m/$70.6m) to €70m – much lesser than the previously projected €150m in a feasibility study carried out in 2025.
‘graz.at’ stated that as per the study the Liebenauer Stadium can be totally redeveloped within the cost framework of 60 to 70 million euros set by the city of Graz and the State of Styria, Liebenau (a Municipality in the District of Freistadt in the Austrian State of Upper Austria). The venue will be able to accommodate 20,100 spectators in the future.
Based on the existing feasibility study – ‘Modernization of Liebenauer Stadium’ – and the economic specifications – the city Planning Department will arrive at a decision in Autumn 2026.
State-of-the-art
The plan is not for a massive expansion of the facility but rather a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the existing stadium which will be lent a state-of-the-art look. Large parts of the current structure – especially the North, East and the South Stands, including the roof – will be retained.
The 16,364-seat Liebenauer Stadium, known as the Merkur-Arena for sponsorship reasons (formerly known as the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium and the UPC-Arena), is in the Liebenau area of Graz, Styria, Austria. The ground is the home of the football clubs SK Sturm Graz and Grazer AK.
The SK Sturm Graz is an Austrian professional association football club based in Graz (Austria) and plays in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, the highest level of the Austrian football league system. The club was founded in 1909. Its colors are black and white.
The Grazer AK is an Austrian sports club based in the city of Graz in the federal State of Styria (Austria). It plays in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, the highest level of the Austrian football league system.
Feasibility Study
‘graz.at’ further stated that the detailed feasibility study mentions that despite sporting budget constraints several of the key requirements of an avant-garde stadium can be met. The arena will be in a position to attract major sporting acts, there will be significant improvisations to the infrastructure and steps will be initiated to provide heightened hospitality to the guests.
Stated Elke Kahr, Mayor of Graz, “Since the feasibility study is over we now need a solid operating concept and to get the State Government on board.”
Added Judith Schwentner, Deputy Mayor of Graz, “Graz boasts top-flight football clubs. But chic infrastructure is a must. After decades it has finally been possible to bring all stakeholders to the table and develop a joint, financially viable and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)-compliant solution. The city is ready to do its part. Now, the ball lies in the court of the State.”
Commented Doris Kampus, Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ) Chairwoman, “Since the feasibility study is over now we can pass a resolution at the city level which should be treated as the first step towards revamping the Liebenauer Stadium. We are clearly in favor of a comprehensive modernization of the facility. Now, it is up to the State of Styria and the Governor of Styria Mario Kunasek to take relevant steps as regards the redecoration of the venue in the larger interest of the clubs and the countless fans.”
Observed Bertram Werle, Planning Director, City of Graz, “It is very gratifying to know that after almost 30 years steps are being taken to revamp the Liebenauer Stadium. I thank the participating firms and the experts for coming out with the feasibility study. Despite a tight budget once the venue is totally restyled it will act as a leg-up for Graz football.”
Nyon (Switzerland)-based the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the governing body of football in Europe uniting 55 national associations and overseeing the promotion, regulation and development of the sport across the continent.
Budget Factor
Unlike the first feasibility study from 2025 this time the focus is on the factor as to what can actually be implemented within the given budget?
The in-depth study focus is on a stadium which will be a multiuse facility.
Initial Study
The initial study weighed the options of a full expansion of the stadium to include approximately 23,000 spectator seats, 2,000 hospitality seats and staging major international events and national team matches. The estimated costs were around €120 million plus approximately €30 million for the necessary land acquisitions.
The total makeover of the stadium entails:
- Hosting Bundesliga and international UEFA competitions;
- A 15,700-seat arena which can be expanded to about 20,100 seats through flexible standing/seating solutions;
- It will continue to be the shared home ground of SK Sturm Graz and Grazer AK;
- A new hospitality and Sky Box area for around 1,700 guests;
- Lowering the playing field and removing the stadium moat will create an authentic venue vibe;
- New kiosk, sanitary and catering areas will be added;
- Tech bells and whistles; and
- New broadcasting zones and media spaces.
Cost Review
According to an external cost review, the project can currently be presented within the given budget of circa €60 million net.
2026 Feasibility Study
The study was conducted under the tutelage of the City Planning Department in tandem with the Stadion Graz Liebenau GmbH, the external consultants – including the architectural firm Wimmer ZT GmbH – and the two clubs – SK Sturm Graz and Grazer AK. The process was overseen by a steering committee with representatives from all relevant bodies. It is a technical feasibility study. The other aspects regarding permits and approval procedures can only be assessed during further, more concrete planning stages.
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