Liebenau Stadium expansion plan examined

Image: City of Graz

A feasibility study has been completed into the expansion of Liebenau Stadium in Graz, Austria to allow it to host international matches and the Champions League.

Stadt Graz said the study was completed on time by the end of May with the continuous involvement of both Graz Bundesliga football clubs and local authorities.

The 16,364-capacity Liebenauer Stadium, known as the Merkur-Arena for sponsorship purposes, is in the Liebenau area of Graz, Styria, Austria. The ground is the home of the Austrian Bundesliga football clubs SK Sturm Graz and GAK 1902.

Members of Graz city government and the City Council have been told that expansion of the stadium to a level that would allow for international matches to take place again requires 20,000 seats to be available.

This would mean lowering the pitch, incorporating the pit as a spectator area, and extending the stands upwards.

This would require a complete renovation of the roof structure, which is equipped with a 4,000 square meter photovoltaic system.

With modular standing and seating areas in the respective home sections, the capacity can be increased to 25,000 spectators.

The purchase of adjacent land is an essential prerequisite for any construction work, as current space constraints do not allow for sufficient expansion on the existing site: the stadium tower is to the north, ice rink B to the south, the track runs to the west, and the space is limited to the east by the business center and Liebenauer Hauptstraße.

If work does go ahead, the hospitality area, including sky boxes, would be expanded to accommodate 2,000 guests.

Noise pollution and traffic pose challenges, however. Any expansion of the stadium must not increase noise emissions. This is only possible if the stadium is enclosed. A mobility and traffic plan has also been developed, as an increased stadium capacity must also be taken into account in traffic planning.

According to the feasibility study, the total costs for all construction measures, planning, and the necessary land acquisitions are approximately €150 million.

This high amount results from the complex construction measures due to the location, the renovation measures that are essential – regardless of the expansion – and the costs for the land acquisitions.

With planning approval, the work can be completed in four years. The long construction period is due to the fact that the work must be carried out during ongoing operations.

After a thorough review, the City of Graz said it can provide a contribution of €30 million for the implementation of the project.

The State of Styria has signaled its willingness to cover a substantial portion of the costs; the exact amount has not yet been communicated, as the State of Styria is currently negotiating the 2026 budget. This will determine the amount of financing required from external partners.

Mayor Elke Kahr said, “The feasibility study was completed on time and in a well-founded manner and now highlights the possibilities for expanding the Liebenau Stadium.

“I would like to thank everyone for their expertise, as well as SK Sturm Graz and GAK 1902 for their constructive cooperation. Due to the numerous construction hurdles, the costs exceed expectations, which is why a major effort from everyone involved is required to implement this project.”

Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner added, “With the feasibility study, we have now laid a solid foundation for the expansion of Liebenau. Now all those responsible, clubs, the city, the state, and the federal government, must work together on a forward-looking project and in particular on sustainable financing.”

SPÖ Chairwoman Doris Kampus said, “With this study, all the facts are now on the table. This finally provides the opportunity to make a well-founded decision—free from ideology and party tactics.

“The state and city must now pull together and assume joint responsibility. The people of Graz rightly expect that something will happen with the stadium.”

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