On 12 June, the Vienna Vikings will play their first home game in the new Generali Arena as part of the European League of Football. In order to prepare and maintain the turf in the best possible way, Austria Wien's greenkeepers work closely with the Vienna Vikings' groundskeepers.

The Vienna Vikings will play a total of six matches at the Generali Arena over the summer. The first game will be against Frankfurt Galaxy, the reigning ELF champions, followed by other top teams from Spain, Germany, Turkey, Poland and Austria in Vienna-Favoriten. Not least because of this, the conditions should be excellent.

The greenkeepers and groundskeepers of the two violet teams are working closely and meticulously together. Currently, for example, the coloured markings that are necessary for a football game on the turf are being tested for their durability. As far as the turf itself is concerned, the Violets are optimistic.

Positive experience makes them confident

One of the reasons for this are the good memories of the Vikings' first games in the old Generali Arena in May 2012. "We were both there at the time and were ultimately pleasantly surprised that the turf was no more stressed by the football games than it had been at our previous home games," Marcus Petsch and Walter Wortmann from the stadium administration told us.

Rainer Holzinger, Head of Groundskeeper of the Vienna Vikings: "We are already busy with the preparations for the first home game on 12 June and are coordinating very closely with the experienced and competent greenkeepers of FK Austria Wien. We already worked with them ten years ago and have only had positive experiences together. It will be an honour and a pleasure for us to transform the turf of this beautiful arena into a football field."

Vikings in the Generali Arena: "Great feeling"

In any case, the anticipation is great on both sides. "The 2012 matches were two super events, from front to back great match days with great atmosphere and beautiful memories. We are looking forward to the next Vienna Vikings games in the Generali Arena," says Petsch. And Holzinger takes the same line: "We are incredibly excited about the upcoming season in the European League of Football. The fact that the Vienna Vikings will play their home games in the Generali Arena is a great feeling."

By the way: The Vienna Vikings are looking for voluntary reinforcement of the groundskeeper crew. Holzinger: "Anyone who feels like becoming part of this great team is welcome to contact us at office@daciavikings.com."

Tickets for the ELF home games of the Vienna Vikings are available online here, day tickets are available from 24 euros (full price), 20 euros (reduced) and 9 euros (6-16 years). VIP tickets are also available online for 336 euros (full price) and 288 euros (youth).