FC Red Bull Salzburg is making use of the non-spectator time to upgrade Red Bull Arena. The project originally planned for 2023, assumes changing the grass, VIP renovations and 5G innovations.

More enjoyment and more experiences – new, bigger and better VIP area

The redesign of the VIP spaces at Red Bull Arena is the core of ​​this major structural project. Hospitality areas for the most important guests will replace the previous ones, placed in a tent. Additionally, access zones to the VIP or skybox level are partially roofed and glass fronts are installed, which creates an impressive view and thus a very special ambience. 

© Red Bull Salzburg

All renovations will extend the capacity to 700 premium seats, 60 more than currently. The club has also plans to refresh the look of the Bull's Corner restaurant. Works within these areas should be completed in August 2021, which means that new services will be available for premium guests starting with the kick-off of the 2021/22 season.

The modernization also includes an expansion within the areas where wheelchair users experience games. In addition to the 65 currently existing, there will be 35 newly designed positions that offer accessible moving and a significantly better view of the pitch.

What is more, an additional media balcony is being built in the upper tier on the west side of Red Bull Arena, which will create more space for media representatives, especially at international games. From the 2018/19 season, it was decided to open part of the upper tier of Red Bull Arena to season-ticket holders only for Austrian Bundesliga and cup matches. Capacity for Austrian matches was therefore reduced to 17,218. Other sectors of the upper tier can be opened for European matches.

© Red Bull Salzburg

Despite its excellent match quality, the grass will be replaced by a new green. Currently the venue is equipped with a natural turf surface with undersoil heating. 

Austria's first 5G stadium

FC Red Bull Salzburg is also making progress using advanced technology to offer special experience for all the fans. Together with Premium Partner A1, Red Bull Arena - as Austria's first stadium - will be made 5G-ready.

Stephan Reiter, Commercial Director of the club, explains the considerations: We decided to bring this investment forward and start the renovation immediately, and we assume that the renovation will be finished at the beginning of August. With the start of the coming season, we can offer our guests a new, very special stadium experience at the Red Bull Arena.

© Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg plays its matches at Red Bull Arena, inaugurated in 2003. During the reopening game, after expansion in 2007, the venue witnessed its highest attendance (30,188) when the team competed friendly against Arsenal FC. The arena is a cashless and non-smoking ground. The stadium's original capacity was 18,200, but it was increased to accommodate the UEFA EURO 2008. During the European Championship it hosted three group stage matches.

Author: Karol Tatar