Alternative stadium fixed

Austria Salzburg submits documents for 2nd division

Austria Salzburg submitted the license documents for the 2nd division on Monday.

(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

There's no turning back now! Austria Salzburg submitted the documents for the 2nd division on Monday. As far as the alternative stadium is concerned, the Violets found what they were looking for in Upper Austria. The decision will be made in mid-April.

Monday evening, shortly after 10 p.m., the time had come: Westliga club Austria Salzburg submitted the license documents for promotion to the 2nd division. What seemed almost impossible six months ago became a reality yesterday. "It was intense, but never in the form of a burden. We might make a lot of Austrian players happy. We see that as a privilege. Our fans make an incredible contribution to the functioning of the club," said chairman David Rettenbacher.

Austria Salzburg (pictured: chairman David Rettenbacher) dreams of returning to professional soccer.

(Bild: SV Austria Salzburg)

A solution had to be found primarily because of the stadium. Because the venue in Maxglan still needs to be adapted for the 2nd division, but this conversion work can only be started after the submission deadline, the club had to look for an alternative stadium within a radius of 150 kilometers. The choice fell on Upper Austria. But not in Ried or Linz (talks with Blau-Weiß and LASK came to nothing). But rather Steyr!

"They were totally cooperative. It worked out in no time at all," said Rettenbacher about the talks with the Upper Austrians. In addition, the former Vorwärts Stadion, now called LIWEST ARENA, is an "old-school stadium that suits us", emphasized the 42-year-old. A rent had been agreed that both sides could live with.

It's not so much relief, but a bit of pride and, above all, great gratitude. Our members and fans have made so many positive contributions over the past few years. We are happy to be able to give something back with our work on the license.

Austria Salzburgs Obmann David Rettenbacher.

However, the chairman states: "If everything works out and we are promoted, we assume that we won't even need the option." The home opener in August would then take place at the Max Aicher Stadium in Maxglan. Negotiations with the developers regarding the continued existence of the stands and floodlights are still pending on Thursday.

1.5 million calculated
The Bundesliga will finally make a decision in mid-April. However, it is likely that Austria will have to go through the 2nd instance due to the delays. As a possible sanction, the club could have to pay a fine.

Speaking of finances: The Violets are currently calculating with a budget of 1.5 million euros in the event of promotion. The Bavarian construction lion Max Aicher, the club's long-time sponsor and supporter, would take over a significant part of this.