What Hearts fans can expect at Sturm Graz: Ticket allocation, beer prices, ultras, pubs, stadium and old town

The livers of Hearts fans are set to be tested again as the club embark upon another European adventure. A first foray into the Champions League qualifiers for two decades begins in Graz, Austria, next month. The second-round qualifying tie against Sturm is tough and demanding, but that won’t deter supporters from following their side to the Liebenauer Stadium.

The Edinburgh News has looked into the ground, possible ticket allocations, Sturm’s ultras group, the famous Graz old town and, most importantly, pubs and beer prices. Jambos have clinked glasses together all over Europe in recent years, with trips to destinations including Florence, Riga, Trondheim, Thessaloniki and Istanbul. This one promises to be just as lively.

Sturm Graz are ready to welcome Hearts after UEFA confirmed that the away leg of the tie will take place on Tuesday, 21 July, at 8.30pm local time [7.30pm UK time]. Sturm hosted both Rangers and Nottingham Forest during last season’s European campaign, and are therefore well versed in what to expect from British supporters.

“We already know the top Scottish teams very well from last season's European Cup campaign,” said the Austrian club’s sporting director Michael Parensen. “Hearts' second-place finish in the Scottish league, ahead of Rangers, is a very impressive achievement and a testament to their quality. Nevertheless, we naturally go into this knockout match with the aim of putting on the best possible performance and advancing to the next round, even though the hurdle is extremely high.”

The Liebenauer - named the Merkur Arena for sponsorship - has a capacity if 16,364. Rangers and Forest were both given ticket allocations of 1,349 for their Europa League matches there last season. It is likely that Hearts will be handed a similar amount, but the exact number has yet to be confirmed. Tynecastle fans can expect to be situated at the sound end of the Liebenauer behind one of the goals. Sections 26 and 27 are normally reserved for travelling fans during European matches, although domestic away supporters can be housed in sections 23 and 24.

The view from these areas is generally very good inside what is a tight venue with fans in close proximity to the pitch. However, people situation between the two sections will be close to a perspex glass partition. The stand is a single tier, which helps with the feeling of being close to the action. There will be home supporters at the other side of the stand so a few taunts back and forward over the segregation line are to be expected.

Most groups of travelling fans who visit Graz congregate in the city’s main square, Hauptplatz. The Liebenauer is walkable from there as it is just under two miles away. There are also plenty public transport options for anyone not keen on the 45-minute stroll. Probably the easiest option is to use the tram system and travel to Jauerburgasse via tram number 4 from Hauptplatz. Jauerburgasse is only a 10-minute walk from Sturm Graz’s ground. Another option is to take the S-Bahn train on the S3 line and get off at the Graz Liebenau/Murpark station. The stadium also a 10-minute walk from there.

The Sturm Graz Ultras, Brigata Graz and Nordkurve Graz, occupy the north side of the ground. They are partial to a pyrotechnic display, a flare, a smokebomb and a tifo, and generate a noisy atmosphere inside the Liebenauer. They tend to be at their most boisterous during derby matches against Grazer AK and on big European nights. They can occasionally be volatile and have battled with police but they are mainly just a bunch of passionate supporters.

Graz has a population of around 350,000. The River Mur bisects it from north to south and there are many bridges crossing it at various points throughout the city. Boat tours up and down are available for around €15 per person. There is also the Murinsel - a floating island with a cafe and theatre which lights up at night. It is easy to locate in the centre of the city.

The beautiful old town and the city’s castle, the Schloss Eggenberg, are both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hearts fans who like their culture will have plenty options to admire some stunning architecture. Hauptplaz is surrounded by streets shooting off in different directions which contain numerous pubs and restaurants.

Bar Ernst Fuchs, the Hops pub and Flann O’Brien’s are among the recommendations. Hearts fans are likely to find drinks promotions in Molly Malone and may well decide to congregate there. There are some traditional brewhouses such as Gösser Brau, which is situated on Neutorgasse. It will serve various local lagers and is ideal for Austrian drafts like like Gösser Märzen. Prices for 500ml [slightly less than a full pint] are between €5 and €5.50. Irish bars such as Flann O'Brien offer imported beers which cost a similar amount.