SK Sturm Graz represents one of Austrian football's major clubs. Founded in 1909 in Graz, Austria's second city, the black and white club built strong identity based on passion and commitment. The Schwoazn (Blacks in Styrian dialect) play at Merkur Arena, a modern 15,000-seat stadium offering passionate atmosphere during Austrian championship's major encounters.
Sturm Graz history experiences its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, period during which the club won three Austrian championships consecutively (1998, 1999, 2011) and established itself as Red Bull Salzburg's main rival. Sturm also achieved remarkable European runs, notably reaching Champions League group stages and creating surprise against major European teams.
SK Sturm Graz relies on intense and combative football that delights Styrian supporters. The club develops its academy to train future regional talents and perpetuate its committed play tradition. The Blacks maintain passionate rivalries with Grazer AK (Graz derby) and especially Red Bull Salzburg, confrontation opposing Sturm's popular tradition to Red Bulls' financial power. The objective is to regularly win titles and establish itself in Europe.
FAQ
Sturm plays at Merkur Arena, a modern 15,400-seat stadium inaugurated in 1997. This compact venue offers excellent atmosphere created by passionate Styrian supporters, becoming a true fortress for the Blacks.
Founded in 1909, Sturm experienced its golden age in the 1990s-2000s with three Austrian championship titles. The club also shone in Europe, participating several times in Champions League and establishing itself as Red Bull Salzburg's main challenger.
The trophy cabinet includes five Austrian championships (including 1998, 1999, 2011, 2021 and 2024 titles), six Austrian Cups, and several Champions League group stage participations, notably achieving memorable victories against major European teams.
Schwoazn means "Blacks" in Styrian dialect, referring to the club's emblematic black and white color. This regional nickname is used affectionately by all Graz supporters and embodies Sturm's strong local identity.
Main rivalry opposes Sturm to Red Bull Salzburg, symbolic confrontation between Graz popular tradition and Salzburg club's financial power. The Graz derby against Grazer AK also constitutes intense local historic rivalry.
Sturm compensates Salzburg's superior budget with exemplary organization, strong collective spirit and passionate supporters support. The club relies on training, intelligent recruitment and intensity to compete with Red Bulls.
Sturm favors intense and combative football, based on pressing, physical commitment and quick transitions. The club combines Austrian tactical rigor with offensive approach that delights supporters and destabilizes opponents.
Sturm's academy focuses on regional talent detection in Styria. The club invests in training to produce players capable of competing at highest Austrian and European level, perpetuating the club's tradition of training its own talents.
Legends include Ivica Vastić, all-time top scorer, Mario Haas, and more recently Jakob Jantscher. The club also revealed talents like David Alaba and Andreas Ivanschitz who then shone on international stage.
Sturm aims to regularly win titles and break Red Bull Salzburg's dominance. The club also aspires to progress in European competitions, regularly reach group stages and represent Austria dignifiedly on continental stage.
