Ernst-Happel-Stadion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ernst Happel Stadion

UEFA
Former names	Praterstadion (1931–1992)
Location	Meiereistraße 7, Vienna, Austria
Coordinates	48°12′26″N 16°25′15″E / 48.20722°N 16.42083°E / 48.20722; 16.42083
Owner	City of Vienna
Operator	Wiener Stadthalle Betriebs- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft m.b.H.
Type	UEFA Category 4 Stadium
Capacity	50,865 (end-stage) 68,500 (center-stage)
Record attendance	90,726 (Austria vs. Spain, 30 October 1960)
Field size	105 m × 68 m (344 ft × 223 ft)
Surface	Lawn
Construction
Broke ground	1929
Built	1929–1931
Opened	11 July 1931
Renovated	1986, 2008
Construction cost	39.6 million euros (conversion 2005-2008)
Architect	Otto Ernst Schweizer
Tenants
Austria national football team (1931–present)

The Ernst Happel Stadion is a famous football stadium in Vienna, Austria. It was known as the Praterstadion until 1992. With over 50,000 seats, it is the biggest stadium in Austria.

This stadium was built between 1929 and 1931. It was designed by a German architect named Otto Ernst Schweizer. The stadium was renamed in 1992 to honor a great Austrian footballer, Ernst Happel. It is a top-rated stadium by UEFA, meaning it can host major international games.

The Ernst Happel Stadion is the home ground for the Austria national football team. It also hosts important European club matches. In 2008, it was a key venue for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, even hosting the final match.

History of the Stadium

Building the Stadium (1928–1945)

The first stone for the stadium was laid in November 1928. It was built quite quickly, taking only 23 months to finish. The stadium opened in 1931 and was first called Prater Stadium. It was considered very modern for its time. One cool feature was that people could leave the stadium in just 7 to 8 minutes!

During a difficult period in history (1938-1945), the stadium was used for military purposes. Sadly, it was also a place where some people were held before being sent away. In 1944, the stadium was damaged during a bomb attack.

After the War (1945–2000)

After the war, the stadium was repaired and went back to being a sports venue. In 1956, its capacity was made even larger, fitting up to 92,708 people. However, this was later reduced. The record for attendance was 90,726 fans. This happened on October 30, 1960, during a football match between Austria and Spain.

In the 1980s, the stadium got a big upgrade. Covers were added over the stands, and all seats were installed. To celebrate its reopening, a friendly match was played against Germany, which Austria won 4–1. After the death of famous Austrian player and coach Ernst Happel in 1992, the stadium was renamed in his honor.

The Ernst Happel Stadium has hosted many important football finals. These include the European Cup and UEFA Champions League finals in 1964, 1987, 1990, and 1995.

UEFA Euro 2008 Tournament

The Ernst Happel Stadion played a big role in the UEFA Euro 2008 football tournament. It hosted seven games, including three group matches for Austria, two quarter-finals, a semi-final, and the exciting final match.

To get ready for the tournament, the stadium added more seats, increasing its capacity to 53,000. A special heated pitch was installed in 2005. Also, a new connection to Vienna's metro system was built in 2008, making it easier for fans to get there. The upgrades cost about 39.6 million euros.

Stadium opening match in the Euro 2008 between Austria and Croatia

Here are the games played at the stadium during UEFA Euro 2008:

Date	Time (CET)	Team #1	Result	Team #2	Round	Spectators
8 June 2008	18.00	Austria	0–1	Croatia	Group B	51,428
12 June 2008	20.45		1–1	Poland		51,428
16 June 2008	20.45		0–1	Germany		51,428
20 June 2008	20.45	Croatia	1–1 (a.e.t.) (1–3 pen.)	Turkey	Quarter-finals	51,428
22 June 2008	20.45	Spain	0–0 (a.e.t.) (4–2 pen.)	Italy		48,000
26 June 2008	20.45	Russia	0–3	Spain	Semi-final	51,428
29 June 2008	20.45	Germany	0–1	Spain	Final	51,428

Football Matches

The Ernst Happel Stadium is the biggest football stadium in Austria. It is where the Austria national football team plays its home games. Club football matches, like the domestic cup final or international games for Vienna's top clubs, are often held here. This is because their regular stadiums are too small for big UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup matches. Even local derby matches between FK Austria and SK Rapid have been played here.

The stadium is a UEFA Category 4 stadium. This means it meets high standards and can host major events like the UEFA Champions League final.

Famous Football Games

Many important football matches have taken place at the Ernst Happel Stadium:

• 1964 European Cup Final: Internazionale 3–1 Real Madrid
• 1970 European Cup Winners' Cup Final: Manchester City 2–1 Górnik Zabrze
• 1987 European Cup Final: Porto 2–1 Bayern Munich
• 1990 European Cup Final: Milan 1–0 Benfica
• 1994 UEFA Cup Final: Internazionale 1–0 Austria Salzburg
• 1995 UEFA Champions League Final: Ajax Amsterdam 1–0 Milan
• UEFA Euro 2008 Final: Spain 1–0 Germany

Other Sports Events

Besides football, the Ernst Happel Stadium hosts many other exciting sports. These include athletics, cycling, and tennis. In 1950, 35,000 people watched Austrian Josef Weidinger win a European boxing title. A temporary pool was even set up for the 1995 European Aquatics Championships.

The stadium has also hosted American Football events. In 2011, the American Football World Championship final was held here. The USA team beat Canada 50–7 in front of 20,000 fans. In 2014, the European Championship of American Football final also took place here.

Concerts and Shows

The Ernst Happel Stadium is not just for sports; it's also a popular venue for big concerts. Many famous artists from around the world have performed here. For example, Taylor Swift had shows planned for August 2024, but they were canceled for safety reasons.

Here is a list of some of the concerts held at the stadium:

See also

In Spanish: Estadio Ernst Happel para niños

• Lists of stadiums