When to build

Sturm launch an infrastructural offensive

The Sturm Graz training center in Messendorf is being rebuilt this year.(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The convincing 2:1 win against BW Linz was a great relief for Sturm - ahead of the Sunday match in Salzburg, there is once again the necessary calm to deal with the findings of the Champions League and to focus on infrastructural innovations.

Project 1: "We will install a pitch heating system at TZ Messendorf by next winter," says managing director Thomas Tebbich. There are three options for this: with deep drilling, 15 or 30 centimeter spacing of the heating loops. The cost: 1.2 million euros! And the operating costs are steep: a full day of heating costs between 4000 and 5000 euros, at least 30 days per heating period are required - making a total of 150,000 euros per winter! About as much as a training camp in Catez.