This is the new "Sport Arena Vienna" in Leopoldstadt
About four and a half years after its announcement, the "Sport Arena Vienna" was officially presented on Friday. The centerpiece is the 3,000-capacity hall, which already excites Peter Hacker. "We can be sure that it will be buzzing here," explained the sports councilor. The successor to the Ferry-Dusika Oval in Vienna's Prater has much more to offer: It is a multifunctional building with three halls, intended to serve both elite and grassroots sports.
"Sport Arena Vienna" with Higher Utilization Capacity
133 million euros were invested in the 13,600 square meters, which are available to Vienna's schools, clubs, and various national teams for international matches. Athletics can use 6,500 square meters for training and competitions. Another 3,000 square meters are available for ball sports, and 1,500 for gymnastics. Additionally, 2,000 square meters are dedicated to martial arts and multifunctional rooms. There are also rooms for sports science and physiotherapy. A gastro area with 58 indoor and 72 outdoor seats is included.
According to the Vienna Holding Sport GmbH, which operates the facility, the utilization capacity increases from the previous 8,600 to 38,000 hours per year. "The demand is very high," reported Christoph Joklik, managing director of Sport GmbH along with Sonja Zahradnik-Leonhartsberger. According to him, more than 20 sports will be trained in the complex. "This concerns professionals as well as children's gymnastics or 'Back Fit' for seniors." The three halls can be used independently, and events can seamlessly follow everyday training sessions. Up to 15 major events per year are planned.
ÖFB Head Coach Rangnick Comes to "Sport Arena Vienna"
At the media event with javelin throw European champion Victoria Hudson ("I've never seen a hall like this anywhere"), volleyball team player Aida Mehic, basketball player Sigrid Koizar, finance councilor Barbara Novak (SPÖ), and NEOS club chairwoman Selma Arapovic, the upcoming event highlights were also presented. On Saturday (10:00 am to 5:00 pm), a sports festival for the whole family will take place, and on September 16, ÖFB head coach Ralf Rangnick will give training tips in the "Sport Arena" with free admission. The first international match highlight is on November 1, with the debut of handball men's team coach Iker Romero against Hungary.
What will definitely no longer be available is a cycling track. Until the demolition of the Dusika Stadium, built in 1976 but recently underutilized, it was the only one available in a hall in Austria. As a reminiscence, there is an artwork made from wooden parts of the old track in the entrance area behind the cloakroom.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.