Allianz Stadion

The Allianz Stadion, located in the Hütteldorf neighborhood of Vienna, serves as the home ground for SK Rapid Wien. It was constructed on the site of the former Gerhard Hanappi Stadion, which had served as the club's home for decades before being demolished in 2014. To facilitate the construction of the new facility, the club played its home matches at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion for two years. The project was completed in approximately 17 months, with the new stadium officially opening on July 16, 2016, with a pre-season friendly match against Chelsea FC, which the home side won 2-0. The construction, led by the contractor Strabag, cost approximately 53 million euros. Designed by ARC Architektur Concept, the stadium was built to provide a modern, intimate atmosphere for supporters, featuring steeply pitched stands that enhance the matchday experience. While known as the Allianz Stadion for sponsorship reasons, the venue is frequently referred to as the Weststadion, particularly during international competitions where sponsor names are restricted. The stadium is owned by SK Rapid Wien, providing the club with significant autonomy over its operations. Today, it stands as a central pillar of the club's identity, housing modern facilities and the Rapideum museum, which chronicles the history of Austria's most successful football club. The venue continues to host high-stakes domestic and international matches, maintaining the intense, combative spirit that has defined the club since its founding in 1899.