Stadthalle Graz

Stadthalle Graz (also known as Graz Messe Arena) is a multi-functional event facility in Jakomini, Graz, Austria. The hall, which opened in October 2002, is attached to and part of the municipal fair building complex, Messe Congress Graz. The largest venue in Graz is used to stage a variety of events like as conferences, TV programs, concerts, and sports.

The vaulted ceiling on four pillars that extends beyond the shape of the arena from the side of the main entrance, including covering the space in front of the entrance and the tram stop positioned there, is a distinguishing feature of the facility.

The hall has an upper and ground floor, as well as a 3,000 m2 entrance space, and can be enlarged to a maximum of 20,000 m2 for exhibits and trade fairs. Depending on how the 6,500 m2 pillar-free event space is configured, it can accommodate a variable number of guests; the maximum number is 14,520 people (standing only), but when organizing sporting events with seating mostly in the grandstands, the capacity is reduced to 5,561 spectators or up to 11,403 when using a standing/seated variant for other events. On the second level, a patio and a modern café are accessible for standing and VIP parties, as well as private events.

The building cost €38.3 million, with the state budget covering 60% and the city of Graz covering 40%. Klaus Kada was the hall’s primary architect. It was constructed between April 2000 and early 2002.In 2019, new lighting systems and movable grandstands were installed.

The later erected exhibition hall by the architects Florian Riegler and Roger Riewe, which opened in 2008 and is now part of the complex, is immediately adjacent to the venue.

The Stadthalle hosted the 2008 World Choir Games, which included hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as award ceremonies, as well as catering and other administrative services.

It hosted the international robotics competition RoboCup in 2009. It had already hosted a number of shows, including Wetten, that…?and Musikantenstadl. The hall hosted the TV program and music event The Dome on November 16, 2007 and November 20, 2009.

The most major sporting event held at the venue was the organizing of several group matches for the European Men’s Handball Championships in 2010 and 2020.