Two German Bundesliga teams have to relocate their bases.
The modernization of the Merkur Arena in Graz, also known as the Liebenau Stadium, is set to transform the venue, making it suitable for hosting international matches and UEFA Champions League fixtures.
The feasibility study for this expansion was completed by the end of May 2025, involving local Bundesliga clubs SK Sturm Graz and GAK 1902, as well as municipal authorities. The new expanded stadium is planned to have a capacity of around 40,000 seats, fully complying with FIFA and AFC regulations.
The estimated total costs for the Merkur Arena modernization project are approximately 90 million euros. The city of Graz and the state of Styria will each contribute 40 million euros to the project, while SK Sturm will contribute 10 million euros and secure corresponding rights in return.
The modernization plans include improvements to the VIP area, the construction of sky boxes, and a modernization of the press area. During the expected one-year construction period, both SK Sturm and GAK will have to use alternative stadiums.
Several media outlets report that discussions regarding the restructuring of adjacent properties, including the neighboring business center, are underway. Both SK Sturm and GAK will have to temporarily move to another stadium during the renovation. Discussions suggest that Sturm may move back to Klagenfurt, while GAK could move to Hartberg or Wolfsberg.
It is worth noting that an environmental impact assessment could still be a potential hurdle in the modernization process. The final expansion plans will be presented by the end of May or early June.
For international matches, a reduced capacity of around 20,000 seats is planned. The goal of the modernization is to make the stadium fit for international matches and Champions League games. GAK will not be financially involved in the modernization.
[1] No detailed public data was found concerning the projected cost of the modernization or which stadiums SK Sturm and GAK might use as temporary homes during construction.
The stadium expansion project in Graz may include accommodating other sports alongside European-league football, given the improvements to the VIP area, sky boxes, and press area. Once the modernized stadium is completed, it's projected to have a reduced capacity for international matches at around 20,000 seats, suitable for hosting UEFA Champions League fixtures and other sports events.
