"Outrage!" – Criticism of stadium plans for Austria Salzburg

The plan to build a new stadium for Austria Salzburg in the Salzburger Sportzentrum Nord is causing mixed reactions.

Location and Funding Criticized

While several politicians in the Salzburg area generally welcome the new construction, there are still open questions regarding funding, location, and the future of the sports clubs located there.

Sports Provincial Councillor Martin Zauner (FPÖ) considers the location suitable but sees financial hurdles. However, Zauner is also enthusiastic about the project: "I will do everything that is not forbidden for Austria," said the politician in an interview with the "Salzburger Nachrichten".

City Councillor Anna Schiester (Bürgerliste) is also initially calling for a comprehensive concept. Additionally, for the stadium construction, a reclassification of the land into building land and further steps would be necessary.

Athletics Club Outraged

Criticism comes from the current users of the sports center. The athletics club LTS Salzburg is upset because it was not involved in the plans.

The procedure of not speaking with the club first is "simply an outrage." The facility was only renovated in 2022 at a cost of approximately four million euros.

Stadium Not Suitable for Bundesliga

ÖVP and FPÖ are also calling for a long-term solution that would allow games in the Bundesliga. According to current plans, the proposed stadium would not be suitable for this.

"So we are building a stadium for up to 20 million euros, which Austria would have to vacate again if they are successful. That is not a future-proof solution; it is a temporary arrangement with a built-in expiry date," says ÖVP municipal council member Jure Mustac.