“The Arena will be a world leader in live events,” says Malin Sparf Rydberg, Communications Manager at Swedbank Arena.
What is the current status of the arena?
“The Arena is beginning to take shape. And things are progressing rapidly. It’s a fantastic feeling seeing how the work moves forward every day and knowing that it will soon be time for the opening,” Rydberg says.
It has already been determined that the Swedish men’s football team will be playing all home matches at Swedbank Arena. It has also been decided that the arena will be the home ground of the AIK team, that the Swedish Championships in bandy will be played there on 17 March 2013 and that the women’s European Football Championships will be held in the arena.
What will be the best features of the new arena?
“A fantastic experience for everyone – good seating, viewing and eating, with easy and comfortable access to and from the arena. We will be able to seat 50,000 spectators at sporting events and 65,000 at other events – all under the same roof. So the weather will not be an issue. This means that entire families will be able to attend events at Swedbank Arena. Today, visitors to football matches are usually men between 35 and 45 years. We intend to change this,” Malin explains.
Does Stockholm really need more arenas?
“Yes, it’s actually about replacing arenas that have become old and have to be demolished. Råsunda is 75 years old and the old, faithful arena must make room for housing and offices instead. Because Söderstadion is also old, it will also be replaced. Interest in the new arenas is also considerable. Swedbank Arena has 92 boxes and 7,000 seats, of which the majority will be sold to companies and private individuals prior to opening. We receive enquiries for these on a daily basis,” she says.
What is your dream event?
“Imagine a magnificent opera performance in front of a packed national arena. That would be a cut above everything else!”
Fact box:
Swedbank Arena will seat up to 65,000 guests. It will be the venue for the home matches of the Swedish men’s football team, world entertainers and the most spectacular shows; all year round. When the arena is completed in 2012, Solna and the Stockholm region will be able to boast of having Scandinavia’s largest and most modern arena. Swedbank Arena is owned by the Swedish Football Association, the City of Solna, Jernhusen, Peab and Fabege.