After the two Graz Bundesliga football clubs Sturm and GAK agreed on a joint stadium project, there was a round of talks with the mayor of Graz Elke Kahr (KPÖ) on Thursday a week ago. The round remained inconclusive – more on this in the conversation about the stadium postponed without result (January 15, 2026).
On Tuesday, the city of Graz presented its own expansion plan. Mayor Elke Kahr emphasizes that the proposal takes into account the interests of both the city and those of the clubs and is legally and financially secured.
State of Styria as a key partner
The central prerequisite for implementation is the participation of the state of Styria. The city and state should jointly finance and be responsible for the project. Corresponding discussions are already underway. City Councilor for Finance Manfred Eber (KPÖ) pointed out on Tuesday that the funds promised by the city could be financed, but expansion could only take place in a legally clean and fair model.
Association model comes up against legal limits
The city is criticizing the operating concept that the clubs recently presented. This is not legally feasible and financially not justifiable, as it involves high public investments while at the same time requiring little of the clubs’ own contributions.
The clubs’ proposal presented last Thursday envisaged that the city and the state would jointly invest around 75 million euros, while the clubs would contribute 20 million euros and in return would receive comprehensive rights of disposal and use of the stadium – including building rights without building interest. The city rejected this. The town hall coalition also does not consider the comparisons drawn by the clubs with stadium projects in Linz and Vienna to be permissible.
Conversion to 20,000 places planned
A comprehensive modernization of the stadium is planned with an investment volume of 60 to 70 million euros. Structural measures are intended to increase the capacity to around 20,000 spectators and make the stadium fully suitable for the Champions League. Technology, infrastructure and the stadium environment should also be renewed. Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner speaks of a long overdue step to catch up on the investment backlog.
Decision possible in February
If an agreement is reached between the city, state and clubs, a decision for the next planning steps could be made in February by the local council. If no agreement is reached, Mayor Kahr will announce that the stadium will be renovated with at least around 30 million euros to ensure continued operation. SPÖ party leader Doris Kampus is now calling for quick decisions and a clear commitment from all those involved so as not to delay the project any further.
Country reacts cautiously
The office of Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ) says about the city government’s proposal that the city of Graz must first convince the clubs of the new plans. In addition, these plans would have to be examined. But the country is open to discussions.
