Traffic disruptions are expected around Ernst Happel Stadium for the upcoming UEFA Nations League match between Austria and Serbia. With a large turnout anticipated, road closures and congestion are likely. The Austrian team, currently in second place in their group, aims to replicate their previous victory over Serbia. Fans from both countries are expected, with around 40,000 visitors anticipated. Parking options are available, and public transport is recommended to avoid traffic delays.
Traffic Disruptions Anticipated Around Ernst Happel Stadium
The ÖAMTC has issued a warning regarding potential traffic disruptions near the Ernst Happel Stadium as excitement builds for the football clash between Austria and Serbia next Thursday. A significant turnout is expected, which could lead to traffic congestion and road closures in the area.
Austrian Team Aiming for Victory
In their last encounter, which took place in June of the previous year, the Austrian national team triumphed over Serbia with a score of 2:1 in a friendly match. This time, the two squads will compete again, this time in a UEFA Nations League showdown scheduled for March 20.
In this UEFA tournament, national teams demonstrate their skills in a more competitive environment than typical friendlies, battling it out in groups of four. The teams that perform well can earn a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Currently, Austria holds the second position in their group and will face Serbia, which is also in the second spot of another group.
Austria leads the standings with an impressive eleven points, while Serbia trails with only six points. Nonetheless, a fierce match is anticipated at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, with a return match planned for Sunday, March 23, in Serbia.
Expect Heavy Fan Influx
The excitement surrounding this match is not limited to Austrian supporters; many Serbian fans are also expected to attend. With nearly 100,000 Serbians residing in the capital as of January 1, 2024, the ÖAMTC predicts that around 40,000 visitors will flood the stadium for this event.
Gates will open at 6:45 PM, with the match kicking off two hours later and concluding around 10:30 PM. The ÖAMTC advises that some surrounding streets will likely experience closures, particularly Meiereistraße between Vorgartenstraße and Pierre-de-Coubertin-Platz. Additional closures may affect Stadionallee and portions of Meiereistraße.
Experts are warning of potential delays on several routes in the city, especially when arriving and departing by car. Areas such as the Southeast Tangent, Handelskai, Ausstellungsstraße, and nearby roads are expected to be heavily trafficked, including substantial congestion on Schlachthausgasse and at Praterstern.
Parking Options Available
For those driving to the event, ample parking facilities are available in the vicinity. Here are some convenient options:
- Messe A parking garage (accessible via Praterstern – Ausstellungsstraße – Max-Koppe-Gasse or Handelskai – Machstraße – Ausstellungsstraße – Max-Koppe-Gasse – Messestraße)
- Messe D parking garage (accessible via Vorgartenstraße – Trabrennstraße)
- Stadioncenter (accessible via Handelskai – Meiereistraße)
- P1-Viertel Zwei (accessible via Vorgartenstraße – Trabrennstraße)
- Parking lot Waldsteingartenstraße (accessible via Ausstellungsstraße – Perspektivstraße – Csardastraße)
- Campus WU (accessible via Vorgartenstraße – Trabrennstraße)
- Campus Prater (accessible via Ausstellungsstraße – Perspektivstraße)
- Prater Ausstellungsstraße (accessible via Ausstellungsstraße – Tiefstraße)
- Bus parking Prater (accessible via Ausstellungsstraße – Tiefstraße)
- Parking lot from Stadionbad (for BUSES) (accessible via Stadionallee – Hauptallee)
- Access for authorized vehicles to the parking lot in front of sector “B” and Stadionbad is only via Handelskai – Meiereistraße or Schüttelstraße – Franzensbrückenstraße – Praterstraße – Ausstellungsstraße – Meiereistraße.
For those wishing to avoid the hassle of traffic jams in Vienna, public transport options such as the U2 line are advisable. Additionally, Park and Ride facilities like P+R Donaustadtbrücke and P+R Donaumarina can help alleviate parking issues. P+R Erdberg and the parking lot on Erdbergstraße are also available for use.
Keep in mind that Leopoldstadt has a short-term parking zone active on weekdays from 9 AM to 10 PM, which may affect parking availability closer to match time.