The pre-season got underway with fitness tests in the ÖISM centre in Linz on the 6th of June. Just days later the first players returned to Vienna and the Ernst Happel Stadium for the first training sessions (first session was on the 7th June). The players in the Senior and U-21 national teams will return on the 18th (Burgstaller, Königshofer)/14th (Alar, Drazan, Schimpelsberger) of June respectively. The club has also confirmed a series of pre-season warm up matches. On Saturday 16/06 (kick off 18:00) Hofmann and co. travel to nearby SC Klosterneuberg to join in the clubs 100 year jubilee celebrations. A week later (23/06, kick off 17:30) Rapid take on SV Gloggnitz, the lower Austrian club celebrate their 90th birthday this year.  On Wednesday 27/06 (kick off 18:30) the lads travel to Burgenland to face non league SC Ritzing before rounding off a busy week on 29/06 (kick off 18:00) with a match to congratulate Vienna City League outfit SV Gersthof on their 100 year jubilee. Following the local matches the team will travel to upper Austria for a training camp in Windischgarsten. Here two friendlies will take place, one of which is against Scottish side Dundee United (see friendly calendar). On the way back to Vienna the team will stop off for a friendly in St. Pölten for a match to mark the opening of the new NV Arena (details to follow). Further friendly matches are possible we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest news. The first competitive fixture of the season will take place on 14/15 of July in the shape of the first round of the ÖFB Samsung Cup. The opponents will be drawn on July 1st. A week later (21/22 July) and the tipp3 Bundesliga is back on the menu the fixtures are scheduled to be announced on 20/06. Rapid then get their European campaign underway, joining the Europa League in the 3rd qualification round. The draw will take place on the 20th July. Existing season ticket holders can renew their seats for the forthcoming season from 18th June. Season ticket holders have exclusive access to new tickets until 7th July and the opportunity to ensure their presence at all 18 Bundesliga home matches.  From the 9th to the 14th of July, Rapid members then have the chance to purchase season tickets before they go on general sale on the 16th. One further important appointment is also in the diary: on the 8th of July the traditional "Day of the Open Door" takes place in Hütteldorf. First team training will take place, as previously stated, in the Ernst Happel Stadium, but all competitive first team fixtures will, as planned, still be played throughout the 2012/2013 season in the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium. Check back to ensure you keep up to date with all pre-season Rapid news!(gw)
12.06.2012