Ice hockey in the arena

The 99ers in the stadium? Graz dreams of the “open-air”

A "Winter Classic" has already taken place twice in the soccer stadium in Klagenfurt. Soon in Graz too?(Bild: GEPA)

Open-air ice hockey games have been a tradition in the NHL since 2008. Klagenfurt has already shown the way. Will the Graz99ers now follow suit? Behind the scenes, those responsible around President Herbert Jerich are working on a Winter Classic in Graz in 2026. But there was bad news for Korbinian Holzer: after breaking his collarbone, his season is over and a replacement is being sought!

"The idea of a Winter Classic does exist," confirms 99ers President Herbert Jerich. "And we're working on making it a reality," says the entrepreneur, who would love to have his ice hockey cracks play in the soccer stadium in Graz-Liebenau.

First inspection, but questions still unanswered
"Nothing has been finalized yet. And there are still many unanswered questions. Implementation depends on many parameters," says Jerich. "But implementation would be an important component for us in the new season."

In any case, the idea is being taken seriously. Today in the early afternoon, an initial inspection took place at the Liebenau stadium to clarify whether an ice hockey match would be possible at all.

Korbinian Holzer is out until the end of the season with a broken collarbone. The 99ers are now looking for a replacement.(Bild: GEPA)

Holzer's collarbone fracture, search for new defenseman
Unfortunately, there was bitter news from the hospital. As the "Krone" already reported, captain Korbinian Holzer will be missing for weeks. Now comes the diagnosis: a broken collarbone. This means the German's season is over prematurely. "That hits us hard," says President Herbert Jerich. "We now have to look around. We will need a new defender to achieve our goal of reaching the semi-finals this season. Korbinian was a key player for us. A new defenseman is now a priority, and if we also find a suitable center, something could happen here too."