Austria Salzburg

“Permanent solution” for stadium in Maxglan is in place

There is good news for Austria Salzburg.(Bild: Andreas Tröster )

A nine-meter-high noise barrier, an avenue of trees, but no demolition of the fan stand! The future of the stadium of soccer club Austria Salzburg seems to be finally secured. City boss Preuner even said after another round of talks on Thursday: "We have a permanent solution!" 

Just two weeks ago, there was disillusionment in the Austria Salzburg soccer club camp. The continued existence of the stadium in the Maxglan district was once again in doubt. The property developers, who want to build hundreds of apartments next to the sports facility, were opposed. They demanded strict protective measures. On Thursday, people were much more hopeful again, not only due to the 90th birthday of patron Max Aicher, but also after another round of talks: "We can be confident," said club president Claus Salzmann.

The Austria Stadium will probably remain in its current form. The demolition of the fan stand seems to be off the table. Mayor Harald Preuner (ÖVP) presented the developers with a proposal for a solution to the stadium confusion on Thursday. "The city will erect a nine-metre-high noise barrier on the back straight," said Preuner. And: The building is to be greened. "You'll hardly be able to see anything. The wall will almost disappear behind a row of trees," he said confidently.

Austria President Claus Salzmann and Harald Preuner, who is still head of the city, found a solution to the stadium confusion.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Hundreds of apartments are being built next to the Austria stadium in Maxglan - which has led to many discussions.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

The developers are sympathetic to this solution - also because the city wants to bear all the costs.

An architect will now draw a new plan in the next two weeks, including the protective wall and an additional access road. "Then we'll sit down together again," said Preuner. If everything goes according to plan, long-term match operations at the Austria Stadium will be secured. President Salzmann commented: "If the developers get what they want, I can't imagine them being against it."

Austria prepares for promotion to the second division
As reported, Austria wants to make the leap into professional soccer in the summer. They have applied to the Bundesliga for a license for the second division. From Friday, Austria can submit documents until April 3. The final decision by the league will be made a week later.