MW_Digital_Edition_29.08.14

www.musicweek.com 29.08.14 Music Week 27
PROFILE ARENAS
WIENER STADTHALLE
LIVE
n BY MURRAY STASSEN
At 29,000 square metres, the Wiener
Stadthalle is Austria’s biggest event space.
The indoor arena was designed by Austrian
architect Roland Rainer and built from 1953 to
1958. Since its completion, the Wiener Stadthalle
has had several iconic artists pass through its doors.
The Rolling Stones played there in 1965, jazz greats
Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Oscar Peterson
performed there in 1975, while a legendary concert
featuring Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli and Sammy
Davis Jr. took place in 1989.
With the stage dimensions, ceiling height and
capacity having met Eurovision requirements,
the arena will be hosting the 2015 Eurovision
song contest on May 23, the 60th anniversary of
the event. Wolfgang Fischer, CEO of Wiener
Stadthalle spoke to Music Week about the historic
venue and the challenges it faces in the expanding
arena market.
What is the arena mostly used for?
One of Wiener Stadthalle’s success factors is its
multi functionality and the high level of flexibility
it offers. Any type of event can be staged, from
rock concerts to opera and ballet performances,
TV shows, international sports events, trade fairs,
exhibitions and conferences, work assemblies,
general business meetings and company and
product presentations.
“We are noticing a
closer cooperation with
festivals in recent years.
In Austria they work as
teasers for individual
concerts afterwards“
WOLFGANG FISCHER,
CEO WIENER STADTHALLE
What have the venue’s highlights been this year?
In 2014 a number of legends performed at the
Wiener Stadthalle, such as Eric Clapton, Rod
Stewart, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Ennio
Morricone as well as pop superstars such as Robbie
Williams and Miley Cyrus.
The highlight for our team was when the
decision was made for us to host the Eurovision
Song Contest next year. Wiener Stadthalle’s
dimensions, ceiling height and capacity meets
Eurovision requirements, and it offers space for
a Song Contest audience of up to 13,500 people.
The central location, tourist infrastructure, as well
as experience of many years in the field of hosting
major television events were additional assets.
Together with the EBU and the national
broadcaster ORF, we will develop a logistical
and organisational vision for this special show.
The 60th Eurovision Song Contest will create
cosmopolitan appeal, demonstrate tolerance and
diversity in cultures and celebrate in Vienna being a
capital of music.
ABOVE
Wiener
Stadthalle: The
Austrian arena
will host the
2015 Eurovision
Song Contest
What challenges is the arena market in Austria
currently facing?
Entertainment formats are in a permanent state of
change and new developments in the music industry
can hardly be foreseen. This requires flexibility and
openness from all leading arenas.
The shows of the future will be designed and
consumed as an experience for all senses. We aim
to further improve our service level. We have also
noticed a closer cooperation with festivals than in
recent years. In Austria, they work as a teaser for
individual concerts after the festival.
GENERAL INFO:
Constructed
1958
Size
29,000 sqm
Capacity
6,000 sitting
10,000 standing
Key contacts for business opportunities
Wolfgang Fischer, CEO
w.fischer@stadthalle.com
Markus Pubek, head of event management
m.pubek@stadthalle.com