Allianz Stadion, Vienna, Austria
The Allianz Stadion in the Hütteldorf district of Vienna, Austria is the home ground of FK Rapid Wien (Rapid Vienna). It was built on the site of the former 18,500-capacity Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion (Weststadion) which was Rapid's home from 1977 to 2014. Gerhard Hanappi played for Rapid from 1950 to 1965 and is regarded as one of their best players ever. After retirement he became an architect and designed the former stadium which was named after him following his death.
The ground was not one of Austria's stadiums for Euro 2008 co-hosted with Switzerland.
The 28,600 capacity stadium first opened in 2016. While under construction Rapid played their home games at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
The Club: Rapid Wien
FK Rapid Wien's nickname is the Die Grün-Weißen (The Green-Whites) after the club colors.
SK Rapid Wien is one of Austria's most historic and successful football clubs, founded in 1899 and traditionally known for its green-and-white colours. The team in green and white stripes were the nation's dominant club until the 1930s but only made a real comeback domestically and internationally in the 1980s with the opening of their then new Hanappi stadium in 1977.
Among Rapid's greatest players are prolific striker Hans Krankl, who was voted Rapid's Player of the Century, legendary forward Franz Binder, goalkeeper Michael Konsel, midfielder Gerhard Hanappi (see above), and Czech star Antonín Panenka (of the famous penalty fame), Herbert Prohaska and Andreas "Andi" Herzog.
The club has also had several distinguished coaches, most notably Ernst Happel, who was both a celebrated Rapid player and later a world-renowned manager, and Otto Barić, who led Rapid to three Austrian league titles.
Domestically, Rapid have won over 30 domestic league titles and 14 Austrian Cups. During the Nazi period the team also won German Championship: in 1941 and German Cup (Tschammerpokal) in 1938,
In international competition Rapid have lost two European Cup Winners' Cup Finals - the 1985 final to Everton (1-3) and the 1996 final to Paris Saint-Germain (0-1).
The have also competed in both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League reaching the quarterfinal in the 2024-2025 season in the latter competition.
The Vienna derby (Wiener Derby) is the big game in Austria between Rapid and Wien, the two most successful clubs in the country.
The City: Vienna
Vienna is the largest city and capital of Austria with a population of over 2 million people.
The grand city has a long history and is renown for its grand architecture, classical music and rich cultural heritage. At its heart is the historic Innere Stadt, home to the magnificent St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and the elegant streets of the old town.
Visitors can explore the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, and the Belvedere Palace, famous for its impressive Baroque architecture and Gustav Klimt's The Kiss.
Other highlights include the Vienna State Opera, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the Albertina and the distinctive Hundertwasser House. The city is also known for its traditional coffee houses, Prater amusement park and giant Ferris wheel, while the River Danube and surrounding parks provide attractive opportunities for walking and relaxation.
Access - Getting There
The ground is close to the Hütteldorf station on the U4 underground line.
Address: Gerhard-Hanappi-Platz 1, 1140 Wien, Austria
From Vienna Hauptbahnhof take the U1 to Karlsplatz and change to the U4 for Hütteldorf.
Map of Vienna
Stadium Tours
The 90-minute stadium tour of the Allianz Stadion includes 45 minutes in the Rapideum club museum and 45 minutes behind the scenes in the stadium. Further information: skrapid.at/stadion/stadiontour
Vienna Hotels
Vienna offers a a large and varied range of hotel and guesthouse options to suit most budgets.
Some recommendations in Austria's capital city include the Grand Hotel Wien which dates from 1870, and is a 5-star luxury hotel with over 200 rooms.
The Wilde Vienna Fleischmarkt has four stars and is centrally located.
All photos by Ross Clegg unless stated
World Stadiums
Estadio Nuevo Colombino Huelva
Tosu Stadium (Ekimae Real Estate Stadium)
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