Grazer AK

Grazer AK, officially known as GAK 1902, plays at Stadion Liebenau, located in the Liebenau district of Graz, which it shares (or has shared) with city rivals Sturm Graz. The stadium, known commercially as Merkur Arena following its naming rights deal, has a capacity of 16,364 spectators. GAK — the Graz Athletic Club — is one of Austria's oldest clubs, founded in 1902, and has a distinguished history in Austrian football including winning the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2003–04, the year of their most celebrated achievement. That championship came during a period when GAK challenged the established order of Austrian football.

GAK's 2004 Austrian Bundesliga title was a remarkable achievement for a club that had returned to the top flight after periods in the lower divisions. The Liebenau stadium was filled with jubilant supporters when the championship was confirmed, marking a high point in the club's twentieth-century history. GAK also participated in UEFA competition as a result of their domestic success, bringing European football to Graz beyond the more high-profile appearances of Sturm Graz. The club's history also includes a 1981 Austrian Cup victory and regular appearances in European qualifying rounds throughout their time in the top flight.

After their 2004 title, GAK experienced significant financial difficulties that led to relegation and eventual liquidation, before being reformed and rebuilding their way back through the Austrian football pyramid. The reformed club's return to the Austrian Bundesliga has been a source of considerable satisfaction for the GAK community, and their re-establishment at the top level of Austrian football has reinvigorated support for a club with a unique history and identity in Graz. The Liebenau stadium, shared with Sturm, provides a quality venue for GAK's return to relevance in Austrian football's hierarchy.