New Stadium for Vienna? ÖFB Chief Pröll Wants Multifunctional Arena in Prater

Despite all the problems, Josef Pröll remains hopeful for a new national stadium. A multifunctional arena in Vienna's Prater instead of the aging Happel Stadium would be a "flagship project that must be thought of beyond just football," said the ÖFB Supervisory Board Chairman to the APA. The owner of the Happel Stadium is the city of Vienna, and Sports Councilor Peter Hacker referred to the ongoing participation process, the cost issue, and monument protection.

Talks with the City of Vienna on National Stadium Ongoing

Pröll is regularly in contact with Hacker and Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (both SPÖ) on this topic. "Unfortunately, the budget situation is very tight, but nonetheless, it is a project that must continue to be promoted," explained the Lower Austrian. The new arena could not only be a venue for international matches but must also be for other sports, events, and concerts.

At least for concerts, the Happel Stadium is already being used - and is more profitable than for international matches. This does not change the partly bleak condition of the arena, which is why Hacker plans investments in areas such as gastronomy and toilets. "There is undoubtedly a need for action here," said the councilor. Improvements are possibly planned for the coming year.

Monument Protection "Not a Central Problem" for Pröll

For Pröll, this is not enough. "If you make innovations to the existing stadium, you don't bring it to an international level." There are also different approaches to monument protection, under which the Happel Stadium falls. "For me, this is by no means the hard issue that prevents a major breakthrough. We do not see monument protection as a central problem," said Pröll. Hacker commented: "I cannot make decisions on matters of the Federal Monuments Office, that is a matter for the federal government."

The biggest obstacle on the way to a new stadium is financing. "The bottlenecks should not slow us down. We should strategically delve into this topic," demanded Pröll, adding that he has already had discussions with potential investors. "We have been assured that something could indeed be possible."

Financing Unclear: City of Vienna Awaits Investors

Hacker showed a wait-and-see attitude. "To this day, no investor has contacted me - this is not a reproach, just a statement. There is a difference between talking about investors or sponsors. Investors want returns, and for us as landlords, but also for the ÖFB and concert organizers, the question arises, how much return do we want to help an investor achieve?" He understands "the emotions and dreams" behind the stadium project also driven by team manager Ralf Rangnick. "But there are neither concrete plans, nor have the conditions changed."

Relocation to Lower Austria

If there is no progress in the construction of a new arena in Vienna, one could consider relocating to another federal state - such as Lower Austria, said Pröll. "There are definitely positive signals, even though the Prater as a location is very positive and has priority. But if there are no extended signals from the city, one can also position oneself differently."

According to his own statements, Hacker sees a possible relocation from Vienna "dispassionately. The stadium in the Prater not only has the advantage of being in the middle of the federal capital, but also the advantage of the surrounding infrastructure."

Currently, a so-called participation process is ongoing on the topic of the Happel Stadium until the end of the year, during which regular discussions take place between stakeholders such as the City of Vienna, the ÖFB, and concert organizers. "One can assume that results will be published here in the first quarter of next year," reported Hacker. Pröll praised the discussion climate and highlighted the support of the City of Vienna in the construction of the ÖFB campus in this context.

Stadium Roof Project "on hold"

Recently, the City of Vienna had a photovoltaic system, a geothermal system, and new training grounds built at the Happel Stadium for 55 million euros. Another 45 million euros have been approved by the municipal council for a retractable roof. However, after skeptical reactions from concert organizers, this project is currently "on hold," as Hacker said.

More on Vienna's urban development

(APA/Red)

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