Supporters of foreign clubs may occasionally be less than enamoured when they first arrive at the St Hannapi Stadium However any initial doubts over the grandour of the concete is soon dispelled after they have sampled the vociferous atmosphere on offer. Foreign supporters have often remarked that the volume in the St Hannapi Stadium „was the loudest they have ever experienced“, despite their clubs playing in proud footballing nations such as England, Germany and Turkey. The Rapid fans support their club by turning the home Stadium into a cauldron very few clubs able to compete with the decible level. We look forward to this  Sunday, when the visit of English giants Liverpool affords our unrivalled support the stage of a sold out Ernst Happel Stadium. Although Sunday sees Rapid move from its traditional home, those lucky enough to get their hands on one of the 50,000 available tickets will be treated to a very special atmosphere.The support the team receives comes as no suprise: In the past few years success on the pitch (champions in 2005 & 2008) has been but one component of the clubs greatness. The Safe Guarding of Rapids tradition by its loyal support is at the root of everything that makes our club what it is. For instance last year saw the opening of „The Legends Club“ where by star performers in Green & White through the ages are initiated and recognised. Also, this year sees our 110th anniversary (Rapid was founded on the 8th of January 1899) which will be celebrated all year long. We have so far seen a „Legends Evening“ with a second to follow at which various Rapid legends will speak, bringing a slice of history even closer to the fans. Other events and open days draw existing and new, younger fans into the Rapid fold and merchandise helps keep the fans in tune with the clubs roots (the second volume of Rapid Chronicles and features in the club magazine etc). The fact the the club enjoys one of the most loyal fan bases in the world- sold out games week after week, huge volumes of season ticket sales and rising membership- demands that we keep giving back to the Rapid community, and ensure the club and the fans remain as one in the truest of Rapid Vienna traditions.Last weekend we met met Germans FC Schalke 04 in our first Jubilee match of the season. The innviation of the Gelsenkirchen side was not random it was the men in blue & white that Rapid overcame in 1941 to seize the German Bundesliga title. The fans unveiled banners displaying Rapid legends through the ages to mark this prestigous event. The last surviving member of the side involved on the glorious night in north western Germany, legend Leopold Gernhardt, got the ball rolling on the pitch as he took a ceremonial kick off. The game finished with a two – one defeat for Rapid, but the result was largely circumstantial. The evening was all about the preservation and remembering of the Clubs great past. All Rapid supporters should also cherish this coming Sundays match with Liverpool. Although nothing hinges on the result of the game in terms of points or progression in a tournamnet, we hope the game will provide a spectale for all those there, and will produce a result worthy of the fabulous surroundings. Following Rapids 5 – 0 demolition of Albanians Vllaznia Shkodar in the Europa League qualifiers, Rapid approach Sunday in good form and both sets of supporters will ensure it is a day that lives long in the memory. SK Rapid - Liverpool FCErnst Happel StadiumKick Off: 19:15(gw/gub)
31.08.2015