Lavanttal-Arena
Wolfsberg, Austria
About this place
History of the stadium
Merkur Arena was inaugurated in 1997 as Graz’s new central football stadium. It replaced older facilities and became the primary venue for top-level football in the region. Over the years, the stadium has hosted Austrian Bundesliga matches, European competition games and major domestic events.
Architecture and design
The stadium features a rectangular football-specific bowl with four covered stands enclosing the pitch. Seating tiers are positioned close to the field, ensuring good sightlines and crowd proximity. Incremental upgrades improved comfort and facilities while preserving the stadium’s compact profile.
Atmosphere and matchday experience
Matchdays at Merkur Arena are known for their intense and partisan atmosphere. Supporters of SK Sturm Graz in particular generate strong vocal backing, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams. Derby matches further amplify noise and crowd energy.
Location and accessibility
The stadium is located in the Liebenau district of Graz, southeast of the city center. It is accessible by tram, bus and road connections, with efficient matchday transport services linking it to central Graz.
Origin of the stadium name
The name Merkur Arena comes from a naming rights agreement with Merkur Versicherung, an Austrian insurance company. The commercial name reflects the stadium’s modern sponsorship model.
