Vienna's iconic Postsportplatz faces closure as lease expiry looms in 2027
Vienna's largest sports complex, the historic Postsportplatz, faces an uncertain future as its lease nears expiry. The 15-hectare site, home to over 5,000 members of Post SV, must be rebid by June 2026, leaving grassroots sports clubs at risk. A growing campaign, backed by more than 10,000 signatures, is now pressing the city council to intervene before the December 2027 deadline.
Founded in 1919 by the Sports Club for Post and Telegraph Employees, the Postsportplatz has long been a cornerstone of Vienna's Hernals district. Its 44 tennis courts, three football pitches, and multi-purpose halls host national league competitions while offering affordable leisure activities. The site's green spaces and inclusive facilities have fostered social integration across generations, shaping the area's urban character.
The land was originally transferred to Post AG by the Transport Ministry, though the Republic of Austria retains a 52.8% stake in the company. With the lease ending on December 31, 2027, the future of Post SV hangs in the balance. Post AG has pledged to keep nonprofit sports and modernise facilities but also plans to build affordable housing with high-quality infrastructure.
Legal hurdles complicate the process. EU procurement rules demand a competitive tender, forcing the nonprofit club to compete against large construction firms. However, some legal experts argue these regulations should not apply to nonprofit sports clubs. Meanwhile, the Sports Facilities Act and zoning laws require any new development to allocate two-thirds of the space to subsidized housing and provide replacement sports facilities nearby.
Eva Bauer, co-founder of the Save Post SV initiative, is rallying support from athletes, tenants, and local residents. The campaign aims to present the city council with documented proof of the project's urgency. Yet the City of Vienna, though committed to protecting sports facilities, has no direct control over the site, as it remains under Post AG's ownership.
The Postsportplatz's fate will be decided by the 2026 bidding process, with Post SV's survival depending on political and public pressure. If the campaign succeeds, the site could remain a hub for grassroots sports and community life. Without intervention, the 105-year-old complex may face redevelopment, altering Vienna's sports and social landscape from 2028 onward.
