Gerhard Hanappi Stadium Explained

Stadium Name:Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion
Nickname:Sankt Hanappi
Former Names:Weststadion (1977–1980)
Location:Hütteldorf
Opened:1977
Closed:2014
Demolished:2014
Architect:Gerhard Hanappi
Tenants:Rapid Vienna (1977–2013)
Seating Capacity:18,500

The Gerhard-Hanappi-Stadion was a football stadium in Hütteldorf, in the west of Vienna, Austria. It was the home ground of Rapid Vienna. It was officially opened in 1977 as "Weststadion" (Western stadium). In 1980 it was renamed to honour its architect, Austrian football player Gerhard Hanappi (1929–1980). Among fans the stadium was also known as "Sankt Hanappi" (Saint Hanappi), in reference to the fans' slogan Rapid ist uns're Religion .

The stadium was demolished in 2014 to make way for the new Allianz Stadion, which was opened on 16 July 2016.[1] During its construction, Rapid Vienna played their home games at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in the Prater.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Eröffnung des Allianz Stadions am 16. Juli gegen Chelsea. 2016-04-26. SK Rapid Wien. de. 2016-07-09.