The new stadium project was publicly presented by the club. President Michael Krammer, along with representatives of naming-rights partner Allianz Group Austria and building contractor STRABAG presented initial draft plans of the stadium and took time to go into the current status of the planning process in detail.The Next Generation"To be involved in the planning and raising of the most modern, and what will be the most attractive stadium in Austria, makes me proud. With this building project SK Rapid Vienna is making an investment in the Viennese economy and in the future of football, creating the best possible infrastructural framework: the new sporting arena will be a landmark and a centre for meeting and integrating the west of the Vienna into the the rest of the capital", explained an enthusiastic President Michael Krammer.The new stadium build should be completed during the next two seasons, ready for Summer 2016. 53 million Euros have been budgeted for the project that will see the new stadium erected on the current site of the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium, which no longer meets international standards or offers a chance of rental income. The draft plans created by STRABAG show the stadium turned 90 degrees from the current position and includes 24,000 seats, along with a further 2,500 seats for businesses, as well as 40 corporate boxes and a further two boxes for events. Should all red tape criterium be met, the build could start as early as May.The stadium concept meets the demands of the club for a ground that provides the best possible experience or players, fans and media alike, and will provide the club with the opportunity to maximise its economic potential. Decisive factors included architectural considerations, such as the aesthetics of the both the exterior and interior, as well as the basic functions such as emergency exits and other safety features. The stadiums acoustics were a crucial element, as were the vantage points for the fans. Of course, the financial model of the project was a considerable factor.The Allianz Stadium's iconic feature will be a tubular structure adjoining the west stand with the main building, which will house the player's cabins, Business lounges as well as the fan shop and the club museum. The one tier stadium will feature closed corners and a continuous roofing structure with integrated floodlights that will not only provide the best possible match day experience for fans, but also reduce the noise and minimise the effects of the floodlights for the nearby residents. This effect will be increased by parking located within the stadium grounds for busses, emergency and TV vehicles. Busses for travelling away fans will be able to drive directly into the stadium grounds.To create an emotional the between the old and new stadiums, a single floodlight from the Gerhard Hanappi stadium will remain in place, looking down over the new Allianz Stadium. To create a further romantic tie to the past, the ground in front of the stadium, and therefore the clubs address, will be renamed as Gerhard-Hanappi-Platz.Around 40% of the financing for the new stadium has come by the way of grants from the City of Vienna – money that was initially earmarked for renovation work for the Hanappi Stadium. The rest of the capital has been secured through property projects and long term credit agreements. Allianz Group Austria's involvement in the project as naming rights partner has helped to strengthen the overall financial package.Allianz Group in Austria: Naming RightsIn order to secure the viability of such a huge project, and to be able to guarantee the required economic development of the club on a long term basis, Rapid found a trustworthy and world renowned partner in the Allianz Group Austria, a partner that will lend its name to the new stadium. The co-operation begins officially on 1st July 2014 and runs until, at the earliest, the end of the 2025/26 season. Allainz has been involved in sponsoring top level sport for many years both in national and international arenas. Allianz's involvement in sport gives fans experiences that last a life time. Allianz has already given its name to 5 sporting arenas around the world - the Allianz Stadium in Vienna will become the 6th.Allianz's decision to enter into long term partnership with club came through the re-emergence in Austria of Allianz as a leading brand, and particularly the many commonalities between the two parties: both Rapid and Allainz are located in west Vienna, both have a long and rich history and tradition achieved through commitment and success. "We are delighted to have this unique opportunity to connect the next generation Rapid stadium and our brand. This partnership is our contribution to supporting one of the most tradition-rich football clubs in Austria. That makes us proud!", explained Christoph Marek, Marketing Director for the Allianz Group Austria.STRABAG: successful contractor responsible for planning and buildingAustrian building firm STRABAG's concept, the drafts of which were produced with German architects ARC-Architektur Concept, beat off competition to win the tender and become the contractor for the build project. STRABAG are specialised in large projects and will take complete responsibility for all aspects of the project, right up to handing over the keys to Rapid on completion. The fixed cost agreement sees Rapid minimise risks relating to building costs and building delays."Its an honour for STRABAG to plan and build a new stadium for Austria's most successful football club, a stadium that connects the modern and the traditional. The excitement is so huge in the company that we have had enough internal applications to work on the stadium that we could staff the project ten times over", said Siegfried Wanker, board member of STRABAG SE.The Next StepsAs previously alluded to by President Michael Krammer, there are still further agreements to be reached with City representatives, representatives of the district and various other groups despite the public announcement of the partnership with Allianz. "Our target remains the same: to begin the stadium project this year", said President Krammer.SK Rapid will play home fixtures in the coming season in the Ernst-Happel Stadium, and will give the Hanappi Stadium a fitting send off on the 6tth July in a match against Glasgow Celtic.Tour: This is our Allianz Stadium!Video: The Next GenerationFurther information can be found at: www.allianz-stadion.at!(gw)
18.06.2014