Five questions about sport

For politicians, Salzburg has more culture than sport

Once again, the seven mayoral candidates were asked five questions

(Bild: Tschepp, Tröster, APA, Krone KREATIV)

When it comes to sport, the candidates for the mayoral election in the provincial capital see a great need for action in many areas.

"Krone": What should the future of the ice rink in the Volksgarten look like?
Florian Kreibich (ÖVP): The construction of a closed training hall should enable year-round use. However, according to Red Bull, there is no need to build a new ice arena, and with a closed training hall we want to enable year-round training operations. In the long term, the arena will also have to be renovated.

Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ): It is indispensable, a renovation of the 2nd ice surface is therefore justified. If this is not sufficient for professional operations, alternative locations should be considered.

Anna Schiester (Citizens' List): A new building is urgently needed, otherwise the outdated ice arena will become a permanent renovation case.we support the construction of a new training hall. If the transport infrastructure is not up to the task, we suggest a different location for the training hall.

Politicians have different opinions on the ice arena.

(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

Paul Dürnberger (FPÖ): In addition to redevelopment options, locations should be sought here that are larger and where a better traffic solution is possible. There are enough brownfield sites.

Lukas Rupsch (NEOS): I am in favor of refurbishment, as is now planned for the training hall. However, a new construction of a larger ice rink should be considered elsewhere.

Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ Plus): In addition to refurbishment options, we should also look for locations that are larger and where a better traffic solution is possible. There are enough brownfield sites.

Christoph Ferch (Liste Salz): I am in favor of renovation, as is currently planned for the training hall. However, a new construction of a larger ice rink should be considered elsewhere.

Which soccer stadium is suitable for Austria Salzburg in the long term, even in the event of a sporting promotion?
Florian Kreibich (ÖVP): For me, Austria's home is Maxglan. The open-ended building permit for the stands and floodlights with noise protection investments makes it possible to stay there permanently.

Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ): The Maxglan stadium offers an ideal home ground. In the event of a possible promotion to the 2nd division, I would only consider the Grödig stadium as a venue.

Anna Schiester (Citizens' List): The question is also whether Austria can manage a professional operation in the 2nd division in sporting and economic terms. Existing infrastructure should be used jointly.

Which stadium is the right one for Austria Salzburg is a controversial issue among the mayoral candidates.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Paul Dürnberger (FPÖ): Austria urgently needs its own stadium that is suitable for professional soccer. As a traditional club with a great history, its future definitely lies in professional soccer.

Lukas Rupsch (NEOS): We would have generally preferred the option with the Grödiger Stadion before it continues to stand empty and even more tax money flows into the Max Aicher Stadium.

Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ Plus): It is good news that Austria can play its 2nd division matches in Maxglan. However, the proposal for a residential stadium project should finally be seriously examined.

Christoph Ferch (Liste Salz): So far, it has been Grödig for me. In a densely populated area, it is problematic to put a stadium that has been approved for a limited period of time into the short term with a lot of money.

Are the plans for an indoor swimming pool at Lepi to be implemented in the next five years?
Florian Kreibich (ÖVP): The plans presented are not much more than an idea. Apart from the financial aspects, spatial planning and traffic studies still need to be carried out.

Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ): Yes. At this location, we have the best conditions in terms of staff synergies, technology and parking spaces. We also have a direct public transport connection.

Anna Schiester (Citizens' List): A temporary roof in the Lepi sports pool is good, but it's not enough. We will also need an indoor swimming pool in the north of the city.

The idea of an additional indoor swimming pool in the Lepi is very popular.

(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

Paul Dürnberger (FPÖ): An indoor swimming pool is a sensible thing at the Lepi, but the plans need to be fleshed out further before we will agree to its implementation.

Lukas Rupsch (NEOS): Yes, more indoor swimming pools are absolutely necessary in Salzburg to enable every Salzburg schoolchild to take swimming lessons.

Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ Plus): Salzburg has - even with the closed Paracelsusbad - only 10 indoor swimming lanes, Linz has 26. It needs another district pool, preferably in the north.

Christoph Ferch (Liste Salz): If the Lepi were planned in the same way as the Paracelsusbad, then please don't do it. But I would be in favor of a functional indoor pool for swimming.

Is there space in Salzburg for major sporting events such as pole vaulting, international cycling races or freestyle competitions in winter?
Florian Kreibich (ÖVP): Yes, Salzburg also has space for major sporting events. However, the needs of the residents must also be taken into consideration, especially in the old town.

Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ): Yes. We need to bring more major sporting events to Salzburg so that children and young people can experience their role models live.

Anna Schiester (Citizens' List): Yes, Salzburg can also be a venue for top-class sport. Young people should experience the skills of the athletes and the atmosphere of a sporting event.

More major sporting events in Salzburg? All parties are in favor. There are discussions about the right location.

(Bild: APA/EPA/BARBARA GINDL)

Paul Dürnberger (FPÖ):In principle, major sporting events in Salzburg are to be welcomed. These events should be organized in harmony with the citizens and businesses.

Lukas Rupsch (NEOS): Yes, the city should make more efforts to attract such major events to Salzburg.

Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ Plus): Events such as the Cityjump and bike races can revitalize the city centre. But more infrastructure is needed, for example halls for ball sports and indoor skating.

Christoph Ferch (Liste Salz): Yes, of course. But it doesn't always have to be the old town squares! I can also organize bicycle skill races in the Volksgarten.

Is Salzburg more a city of sport or culture?
Florian Kreibich (ÖVP): Salzburg is better known internationally as a city of culture, but that doesn't mean we're not also a city of sport. Salzburg is something of a "hidden champion" in this respect.

Bernhard Auinger (SPÖ): Both, because culture and sport go together perfectly. Culture is still slightly ahead at the moment, but sport is catching up.

Anna Schiester (Citizens' List): It is actually both. Both areas should be further developed and expanded: In the area of district culture and in girls' and women's sport.

Paul Dürnberger (FPÖ): Definitely, the current focus is on culture; this also needs to be maintained and preserved. However, I expect much more commitment to sport in the future.

Lukas Rupsch (NEOS): Salzburg can certainly be both. However, more is currently being invested in culture, while there is a lack of sports grounds and sports halls everywhere.

Kay-Michael Dankl (KPÖ Plus): Currently more a city of high culture, but with a little good will, city policy can do more for the resident population.

Christoph Ferch (Liste Salz): The city is definitely associated more with culture than with sport. But we have a very attractive environment and can do sport everywhere!