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Beginning in 1984, the venerable Praterstadion in the Austrian capital city of Vienna underwent a third major renovation since the conclusion of the Second World War.
The classic, bowl-shaped arena, which until the mid-1960s could accomodate an excess of 90,000 spectators, started its transformation to a modern “all-seater” football stadium with the last of the standing room sections being removed; once again, the capacity was reduced, this time to an official figure of 50,000.
Most significantly, the entire spectator area was covered with a massive elliptical roof.
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The new roof installed in the mid-1980s certainly changed the look of the Praterstadion, if not the feel inside for the spectators — particularly when matches are staged during inclement weather.
As the photo below indicates, the covering certainly came in handy for supporters this season during the wintry conditions that dominated the UEFA Europa League match between SK Rapid Vienna and visiting Portguese side FC Porto in early December.
Also included with the new roof was a totally new lighting system, long gone were the days of the old floodlights on giant masts.
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(Hal Incandenza)
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As was the case when the Praterstadion originally opened fifty-five years earlier, a match with the most natural rival of the Austria national team was sought to re-dedicate the stadium.
West Germany, who had reached the Final of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico that summer, was invited to play at the upgraded arena in late October of 1986.
Backed by a brace each from FK Austria Vienna striker TONI POLSTER and SK Rapid Vienna midfielder REINHARD KIENAST, the suitably inspired Austrians triumphed 4-1 with all the goals coming within a twenty-minute span during the middle of the second half.
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(Robert Jaeger/APA)
Classic UCLA Bruins Rediscovered 