Ernst Happel Stadium
Vienna's Colossus of Sport: A deep dive into Austria's largest stadium, its storied past, and its role in major international events.
Discover More ๐ Football Legacy โฝDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Stadium Overview
Venue Details
The Ernst Happel Stadium, originally named Praterstadion until 1992, is a prominent association football stadium located in Leopoldstadt, Vienna, Austria. It stands as Austria's largest stadium, boasting a seating capacity of 50,865 for end-stage events and expandable to 68,500 for center-stage configurations. It is officially recognized as a UEFA Category 4 stadium, the highest designation.
Construction & Design
Constructed between 1929 and 1931, the stadium was designed by German architect Otto Ernst Schweizer. Its initial purpose was to host the second Workers' Olympiad. The design was considered modern for its time, featuring efficient crowd discharge capabilities. The stadium's location within Vienna's Prater amusement park lends it a unique setting.
UEFA Elite Status
As a UEFA Category 4 stadium, the Ernst Happel Stadium is equipped to host the most prestigious international football finals, including the UEFA Champions League final. Its comprehensive facilities and capacity meet the stringent requirements set forth by European football's governing body.
Historical Significance
Foundation and Early Years
The foundation stone was laid in November 1928, commemorating Austria's decade as a republic. Completed in 1931, the stadium initially served the Workers' Olympiad. Its original name, Praterstadion, reflected its location. The stadium's capacity was approximately 60,000 upon completion.
Wartime Use and Damage
During the Nazi era following the Anschluss in 1938, the stadium was repurposed. It served as military barracks and a temporary detention site for Jewish citizens before their deportation to concentration camps. The stadium sustained significant damage from bombing raids in 1944.
Post-War Reconstruction and Renaming
Following World War II, the stadium underwent reconstruction and resumed its sporting functions. Its capacity was expanded in 1956, reaching a peak attendance record of 90,726 spectators in 1960 for a match between Austria and Spain. The stands were covered and equipped with seats in the 1980s. In 1992, the stadium was officially renamed Ernst Happel Stadium in honor of the renowned Austrian footballer and coach.
Football Hub
National Team Home
The Ernst Happel Stadium serves as the primary home ground for the Austria national football team. It frequently hosts crucial international matches, including qualifiers and friendly games.
European Finals Venue
The stadium has a distinguished history of hosting major European club finals. It has been the venue for the European Cup/UEFA Champions League final on multiple occasions, including 1964, 1987, 1990, and 1995. It also hosted the 1970 European Cup Winners' Cup Final and the 1994 UEFA Cup Final.
Club Competitions
While smaller than the Ernst Happel Stadium, Vienna's major clubs, FK Austria Wien and SK Rapid Wien, utilize it for their UEFA competition matches when their regular stadiums are insufficient. The stadium also occasionally hosts the Vienna derby, the city's most significant club football fixture.
UEFA Euro 2008 Showcase
Tournament Host
The Ernst Happel Stadium played a pivotal role in UEFA Euro 2008, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. It hosted seven matches during the tournament, including three group stage games involving the Austrian team, two quarter-final ties, a semi-final, and the prestigious final match.
Match Schedule
The stadium's capacity was temporarily increased to accommodate the tournament. It witnessed significant matches, culminating in Spain's victory over Germany in the final. The schedule included notable fixtures such as Austria vs. Croatia, Austria vs. Poland, and Germany vs. Austria.
Beyond Football
Athletics and More
The stadium's versatile design has accommodated various sporting events beyond football. It has hosted athletics competitions, cycling events, and tennis matches. Notably, it featured a temporary swimming pool for the 1995 European Aquatics Championships.
American Football
The Ernst Happel Stadium has also been a venue for American football, hosting the final of the IFAF World Championship in 2011 and the final stage of the European Championship of American Football in 2014, demonstrating its adaptability for diverse sporting spectacles.
Speedway History
During the 1950s and 1960s, the stadium was a site for motorcycle speedway events, including the final of the 1963 Speedway World Team Cup, before the track was eventually demolished.
Concert Destination
A Stage for Legends
The Ernst Happel Stadium has a rich history as a venue for major concerts, hosting performances by globally acclaimed artists. From rock legends like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd to pop icons like Michael Jackson and Taylor Swift, the stadium has provided a grand stage for musical events.
Notable Performances
The stadium has seen legendary tours such as Michael Jackson's Bad and Dangerous World Tours, U2's 360ยฐ Tour, and numerous performances by artists like Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, and Coldplay. The extensive list of concerts highlights the stadium's significance in the international music scene.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Ernst-happel-stadion" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports venues, event planning, or architectural details. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.