UPC-Arena
Key facts
Clubs: SK Sturm Graz and Grazer AK | Opening: 1997 | Capacity: 15,312 seats
History and description
The UPC-Arena officially opened on the 9th of July 1997. It replaced the old Bundesstadion Graz-Liebenau. The first match played at the stadium was a friendly between GAK and Sturm Graz (0-4).
The stadium was initially named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born in a suburb of the city Graz. Fans, however, never warmed up to the name, and after he took some controversial decisions as the governor of the state of California many voices went up to change the name of the stadium.
In the end, Arnold Schwarzenegger took the decision out of the hands of Grazer politicians when in 2005 he decided to rescind permission to use his name. The naming rights of the stadium got subsequently sold to cable firm UPC.
Getting there
The UPC-Arena is located in the south of the city of Graz, about 2.5 kilometres from its historic centre and about 2 kilometres more from the main railway station.
From the historic centre the stadium can be reached with tram 4 or 13. Take the tram from Jakominiplatz (or tram 4 from Hauptplatz) in the direction of Liebenau Murpark. Get off at stop Stadion Liebenau.
From the main railway station first take a tram or bus (e.g. tram 1, 3, 6, and 7, or bus E) to Jakominiplatz and change to tram 4 or 13.
The UPC-Arena is easiest reached by car from the A2 motorway, which runs south of the city. Take exit 179 toward Knoten Graz-Ost and follow for Zentrum. Continue on the Süd Autobahn into the city. The stadium will lie on the left side of the road soon after a slight left curve.
Address: Stadionplatz 1, A–8041 Graz
Tickets
Tickets for Sturm Graz games can be bought online, or at the Fan Shop at the stadium.
Ticket prices range from €18.00 for a seat behind the goal to €25.00 for a seat at the long sides. Prices are increased with €5.00 for the matches against Salzburg, Austria Wien, and Rapid Wien.
For more information call +43 (0)316 771771 33.
Ticket for GAK games can be bought on the gate on the day of the match. They cost either €11.00 or €15.00.
Photos
Relevant Internet links
Sksturm.at – Official website of SK Sturm Graz.
Gak.at – Official website of GAK.
Mcg.at – Official website of the UPC-Arena.
Graztourismus.at – Graz tourist information.
Verbundlinie.at – Graz public transport information.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
