Graz and its gladiators on ice Anyone who has been to a packed Merkur Eisstadion and witnessed thousands of enthusiastic fans cheering on their teams during ice hockey season will tell you about the fantastic atmosphere generated by a full house in this stadium. There is raw ice hockey power on the one hand and a great opportunity for amateur skaters to enjoy this wonderful winter pastime on the other hand. Depending on the weather, the ice rink is open from October to the beginning of March.