Ernst Happel Stadion is the largest football stadium in Austria. Built between 1929 and 1931, the stadium was originally known as Prater Stadion. In 1992, the stadium was renamed as Ernst Happel Stadion to honor the famous Austrian footballer Ernst Happel. Located in Wien at Meiereistraße in Vienna, the stadium has a capacity to accommodate 49,000 spectators.
Ernst Happel Stadion will be hosting the final match of the Euro 2008 on 29th June. Other than the final, it will also be hosting 3 group games, 2 quarter final matches and a semi-final. Presently the stadium is undergoing massive renovation and the seating capacity is expected to go upto 53,008.
The stadium underwent refurbishment in 1986 for the first time. The initial structure was designed by Otto Ernst Schweizer. Ernst Happel Stadium is the home ground of the Austrian national football team. The ground also hosts a number of domestic club football matches.
The stadium has been the venue of a number of important matches over the years. Some of the notable matches held in this stadium are:
- 1964 European Cup final. The score was : Inter Milan 3 – 1 Real Madrid
- 1970 European Cup Winners Cup final. The score was: Manchester City F.C. 2 – 1 Górnik Zabrze
- 1987 European Cup final. The score was: FC Porto 2 – 1 Bayern München
- 1990 European Cup final. The score was: AC Milan 1 – 0 Benfica
- 1995 UEFA Champions League final. The score was: Ajax 1 – 0 AC Milan
UEFA has given due recognition to
Ernst Happel Stadion by conferring the recognition of being one of UEFA's 5 Star stadiums.
