Red Bull Arena (Salzburg)

EM-Stadion Wals-Siezenheim zur Euro

Red Bull Arena (Salzburg), formerly known as Wals-Siezenheim Stadium, is a football stadium located in Wals-Siezenheim, a suburb of Salzburg, Austria. It is the home ground of the FC Red Bull Salzburg, a prominent football club that competes in the Austrian Bundesliga. The stadium is known for its modern facilities and has been a significant venue for both national and international football matches.

History

The Red Bull Arena was opened in March 2003, originally named Wals-Siezenheim Stadium. It was built to provide FC Red Bull Salzburg with a state-of-the-art venue that meets both the Austrian Football Association and UEFA's stringent stadium requirements. In 2005, the stadium underwent a name change following the acquisition of the club by the Red Bull GmbH, a move that also led to the renaming of the club itself.

Design and Capacity

The stadium boasts a contemporary design, featuring a bowl-shaped structure that ensures an unobstructed view of the pitch from all seats. Initially, the Red Bull Arena had a seating capacity of around 18,200 spectators. However, to accommodate a growing fan base and meet the requirements for hosting international competitions, the stadium was expanded in 2007. The expansion increased its capacity to approximately 30,000 seats, making it one of the largest football stadiums in Austria.

The design also incorporates extensive facilities for players, officials, and spectators, including modern dressing rooms, VIP lounges, and media facilities. The pitch is equipped with a state-of-the-art drainage and under-soil heating system, ensuring the playing surface remains in excellent condition throughout the year.

Notable Events

The Red Bull Arena has hosted numerous significant events since its inauguration. It has been a venue for Austrian Bundesliga matches, international football fixtures, and several UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League matches. The stadium's modern amenities and large capacity have also made it a preferred choice for concerts and other non-sporting events.

Access and Location

Located in the suburb of Wals-Siezenheim, the Red Bull Arena is easily accessible from the city center of Salzburg. It is well-connected by public transport, with several bus lines serving the stadium on match days. For visitors traveling by car, the stadium offers ample parking facilities.

Future Developments

FC Red Bull Salzburg and the stadium management are committed to maintaining the Red Bull Arena's status as a top-class football venue. Plans for future developments include further enhancements to the stadium's facilities, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving standards of international football.