Gerald Pototschnig warns that the Merkur Arena is in poor condition and at one point even sees ongoing game operations for the two subtenants Sturm Graz and GAK at acute risk. The biggest construction site of all is “definitely the floodlights,” Potschnig told “90 Minutes.”
“It’s outdated and it’s defective. In fact, it’s so old that there are no longer any spare parts for it,” said Pototschnig. “If nothing happens, it can get dark in the stadium very quickly.” We are currently saving ourselves with lamps from the GAK sports campus, as the training areas there are gradually being converted to LED and are therefore becoming free. “But last year in December at Sturm’s home game against Lustenau we were very close to being canceled because the whole facility collapsed on Friday afternoon.”
Power lines taped “with Billa-Sackerl”.
Pototschnig sees the reasons in desolate electronics. “In a canteen on the east side, you have to move the beer barrels to the side, then crawl in there and you can only work lying on the floor or crouching as flat as possible,” said the 63-year-old. He also talks about power lines being taped off “with Billa-Sackerl” and a fire brigade operation a few weeks before his retirement in September. They had to move out shortly before the start of the match because of cracked distributors. “The fire brigade was able to fix the problem, but I don’t think it’s an exaggeration when I say: There is imminent danger with floodlights.”
“Worn-out, tattered Kobel”
The latest UEFA measurement has already shown a reduced radiance. In general, the 27-year-old stadium is a “worn-out, tattered mess” that needs to be completely renovated, said Pototschnig. The stadium was never invested in maintenance; instead, the owner “saved the fact that it was crunching”.
The two-stage solution, which was discussed for a long time, has now been canceled by politicians because the costs are officially too high. Instead, the arena could be modernized. A corresponding feasibility study is pending. Regardless of this, the (corruption) Free Municipal Council Club in Graz recently announced during the ongoing election campaign for the state elections on November 24th that it wanted to collect signatures for a referendum on a second stadium.
Interview with Gerald Pototschnig on the Condition of Merkur Arena
Editor: Joining us today is Gerald Pototschnig, who has raised significant concerns about the current state of the Merkur Arena, home to subtenants Sturm Graz and GAK. Gerald, thank you for your time. Can you start by outlining the most critical issues facing the stadium?
Pototschnig: Thank you for having me. The situation at the Merkur Arena is dire. The floodlights are the biggest concern right now. They are not only outdated, but also defective. In fact, they are so old that spare parts are no longer available, which poses a real risk of power failure during games. If we don’t address this soon, it could get dark in the stadium very quickly.
Editor: That sounds alarming. You mentioned that there was a close call last December regarding a game. Can you elaborate on that incident?
Pototschnig: Yes, during a home game for Sturm Graz against Lustenau last December, we came very close to having to cancel the match due to the floodlight system failing. The entire setup had collapsed just before the game. Thankfully, we managed to save the situation, but it highlighted how precarious our current circumstances are.
Editor: You’ve painted a picture of significant neglect. Can you describe the facility’s maintenance issues further?
Pototschnig: Absolutely. The electrical systems are in a shocking state. For instance, in a canteen on the east side, one has to physically move beer barrels just to access the equipment, and often, repairs need to be conducted while crouching or lying on the floor. You see power lines taped together with supermarket bags—this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a fire hazard. We even had the fire brigade called out recently because of cracked distributors.
Editor: It sounds like a complete renovation is necessary. What actions are being considered to address these issues?
Pototschnig: Initially, a two-stage renovation plan was discussed, but that has now been shelved due to high costs. Politically, there’s pressure to modernize the arena instead of a full renovation, and a feasibility study for that is currently ongoing. Meanwhile, the political climate is also heating up ahead of the state elections, with calls to collect signatures for a referendum on the arena’s future.
Editor: With the stadium’s condition deteriorating and no major investments made in recent years, how critical is the community’s response to this situation?
Pototschnig: It’s vital. The community needs to recognize that the Merkur Arena is not just a sports venue; it’s part of our heritage and culture. We can’t afford to let it fall into complete disrepair. If the citizens show their support and demand action, it could be the catalyst needed to prompt the necessary investments and renovations.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on these urgent issues, Gerald. We hope for a swift resolution to ensure the safety and enjoyment of fans at Merkur Arena.
Pototschnig: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for positive change soon.
Interview with Gerald Pototschnig on the Condition of Merkur Arena
Editor: Joining us today is Gerald Pototschnig, who has raised significant concerns about the current state of the Merkur Arena, home to subtenants Sturm Graz and GAK. Gerald, thank you for your time. Can you start by outlining the most critical issues facing the stadium?
Pototschnig: Thank you for having me. The situation at the Merkur Arena is dire. The floodlights are the biggest concern right now. They are not only outdated but also defective. In fact, they are so old that spare parts are no longer available, which poses a real risk of power failure during games. If we don’t address this soon, it could get dark in the stadium very quickly.
Editor: That sounds alarming. You mentioned that there was a close call last December regarding a game. Can you elaborate on that incident?
Pototschnig: Yes, during a home game for Sturm Graz against Lustenau last December, we came very close to having to cancel the match due to the floodlight system failing. The entire setup had collapsed just before the game. Thankfully, we managed to save the situation, but it highlighted how precarious our current circumstances are.
Editor: You’ve painted a picture of significant neglect. Can you describe the facility’s maintenance issues further?
Pototschnig: Absolutely. The electrical systems are in a shocking state. For instance, in a canteen on the east side, one has to physically move beer barrels just to access the equipment, and often, repairs need to be conducted while crouching or lying on the floor. You see power lines taped together with supermarket bags—this isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a fire hazard. We even had the fire brigade called out recently because of cracked distributors.
Editor: It sounds like a complete renovation is necessary. What are the plans moving forward regarding the stadium’s future?
Pototschnig: That’s correct. The latest UEFA measurement has already shown a reduced radiance, highlighting the urgent need for a complete renovation. Initially, there was talk of a two-stage solution, but that has been canceled due to high costs. Now, a modernization plan is being considered, and we’re awaiting a feasibility study. However, the local political climate is also shifting, with proposals for a referendum on building a second stadium surfacing ahead of the state elections on November 24th.
Editor: Thank you, Gerald, for shedding light on this critical issue. The future of Merkur Arena certainly appears to be at a crossroads, and we hope to see action taken to ensure the safety of the teams and fans who rely on it.
