Nationalarenan
Nationalarenan, officially known as Strawberry Arena since 2024 for sponsorship reasons, is Sweden's national multi-purpose stadium located in Solna, just north of Stockholm.[1][2] Opened on October 27, 2012, following construction that began in December 2009, the venue features a retractable roof and serves primarily as the home stadium for Allsvenskan club AIK Fotboll and the Sweden national football team, while also hosting major concerts, equestrian events, and cultural spectacles.[3][4] With a seating capacity of 50,000 for football matches and up to 65,000 for concerts and other events, it is the largest indoor arena in Scandinavia.[5][1] The stadium's development was driven by the need for a modern national venue to replace the aging Råsunda Stadium, with construction costs totaling approximately €300 million funded through public-private partnerships.[6] Its inaugural match was an international friendly on November 14, 2012, where Sweden defeated England 4–2, drawing 49,967 spectators.[7] Architecturally, Nationalarenan boasts a distinctive geometric facade and uninterrupted sightlines from all seats, enhanced by advanced acoustics and lighting systems that support diverse programming.[1] The venue's naming history reflects corporate sponsorships: it was branded Friends Arena from 2012 to 2024 in partnership with the anti-bullying organization Friends, before transitioning to Strawberry Arena in July 2024 under a deal with the Strawberry hotel group, emphasizing its role in Sweden's hospitality and entertainment ecosystem.[2][8] Beyond sports, Nationalarenan has become a premier event destination, hosting the finals of Melodifestivalen (Sweden's Eurovision selection), the Sweden International Horse Show, and high-profile concerts by artists such as Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Coldplay.[1] Its strategic location, just seven minutes from Stockholm Central Station via public transport, facilitates accessibility for international visitors, while integrated facilities like the Strawberry Suite VIP lounge and adjacent hotels underscore its multifaceted appeal as a hub for entertainment and conferencing.[1] The arena's retractable roof ensures year-round usability, even in Sweden's variable climate, solidifying its status as a landmark of modern Scandinavian architecture and cultural infrastructure.[3]History
Planning and construction
The planning for Nationalarenan, Sweden's new national stadium, originated in the early 2000s amid growing recognition that the aging Råsunda Stadium no longer met modern standards for international matches and events.[9] The Swedish Football Association spearheaded the initiative to create a contemporary multi-purpose arena capable of hosting up to 50,000 spectators for football, with the goal of elevating Sweden's hosting capabilities for UEFA and FIFA competitions.[9] Site selection focused on Solna, just north of Stockholm, as part of a broader urban redevelopment masterplan drawn up in 2004, which integrated the stadium into a new city center featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces near the former Råsunda location.[9] This project also facilitated the demolition of the adjacent Råsunda Stadium in 2013. Key stakeholders included the Swedish Football Association as the primary owner and operator, alongside Solna Municipality for local governance support, and private investors such as Jernhusen, Peab, and Fabege to provide financial and developmental expertise.[10] These partners formed a consortium, Ny Nationalarena i Solna AB, to oversee the project, ensuring alignment between sporting needs, urban planning, and economic viability.[11] The architectural design was led by C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with Krook & Tjäder, emphasizing sustainability and flexibility, while structural engineering was handled by Sweco, focusing on innovative load-bearing systems for the venue's expansive structure.[12][13] Construction commenced on December 7, 2009, under main contractor Peab, transforming the selected site into a state-of-the-art facility over nearly three years.[14] The project incorporated advanced features like a retractable roof to enable year-round usability regardless of weather.[12] Completion was achieved in October 2012, with the total cost amounting to 2.8 billion SEK (approximately €300 million), funded through a mix of public subsidies, sponsorships, and investor contributions.[3] This investment reflected the arena's role as a cornerstone of Solna's regeneration, balancing high construction demands with long-term operational efficiency.[9]Naming history
The stadium was initially planned and referred to as Swedbank Arena from 2009 to 2012, following a naming rights agreement secured by the Swedish bank Swedbank in a deal valued at 153 million kronor (approximately 20.5 million euros) that was set to run until the end of 2023.[15][16] In March 2012, Swedbank donated its naming rights to the nonprofit organization Friends, which focuses on preventing bullying among children and youth, leading to the arena's renaming as Friends Arena upon its opening later that year; this gesture was part of Swedbank's social responsibility initiatives but drew criticism from the Swedish Football Association, which preferred a commercial sponsor to support the venue's finances and had to reluctantly accept the change.[16][17][18] The Friends Arena name endured until December 31, 2023, when the donated rights expired, after which a new sponsorship agreement with the Strawberry hotel group—Sweden's largest hotel chain—took effect on July 12, 2024, rebranding the venue as Strawberry Arena for an undisclosed multi-year term aimed at enhancing the group's visibility in event hosting and tourism.[2][17] Throughout these changes, the official neutral designation Nationalarenan has been used in non-commercial and governmental contexts to reflect its status as Sweden's national stadium for football and major events, avoiding sponsor affiliations in official communications.[3] The evolution of these names has influenced public perception, with the Friends era notably boosting awareness of anti-bullying efforts—reaching 75% among visitors by the partnership's end—while the shift to Strawberry Arena has sparked discussions on balancing commercial branding with the venue's national identity, though it has generally been viewed as a positive step for financial sustainability.[18][17]Opening and inaugural events
The Nationalarenan, known commercially as Friends Arena during its early years, was officially inaugurated on October 27, 2012, in a ceremony attended by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who formally declared the venue open, along with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and approximately 50,000 spectators.[19] The event featured live performances by prominent Swedish artists, including a concert-style program that showcased the arena's acoustic capabilities and versatile event space, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display over the structure.[20] This opening marked the completion of a multi-year construction project aimed at creating Sweden's premier national stadium, replacing the historic Råsunda Stadium. The ceremony emphasized the arena's role as a hub for national pride, with the facade illuminated in the blue and yellow colors of the Swedish flag to symbolize unity and modernity.[21] The first major sporting event followed shortly after, on November 14, 2012, when the Swedish national football team hosted England in an international friendly match at the venue, securing a 4–2 victory. Zlatan Ibrahimović scored all four goals for Sweden, including a spectacular 30-yard overhead kick that has since become an iconic moment in football history, drawing an attendance of 49,967.[22] This match served as the arena's inaugural football fixture, highlighting its suitability for high-profile international competitions. In its initial phase, the arena encountered minor operational challenges, including limited parking availability due to ongoing construction of adjacent facilities like shopping centers and hotels, which temporarily affected accessibility for early visitors. The retractable roof, a key technological feature, functioned as intended during testing and debut events without reported major issues.[20]Design and facilities
Architectural features
Nationalarenan, now known as Strawberry Arena, showcases an oval-shaped design characterized by futuristic architecture that prioritizes sustainability and integration with its urban surroundings in Solna, Stockholm. Developed through a collaboration between C.F. Møller Architects, Krook & Tjäder, and Populous, the stadium's structure emphasizes natural light penetration via expansive transparent elements and panoramic views for spectators, supporting its role as a multi-purpose venue.[12][23][24] The exterior features a striking dual-level facade of glass and aluminum panels arranged in repeating triangular patterns, underpinned by a robust steel framework that rises to a height of 43 meters. This composition not only conveys a sleek, modern aesthetic but also allows for dynamic illumination through integrated LED systems, enabling color-changing effects that enhance the building's visual presence day and night.[24][25][26][27] Internally, the layout includes tiered seating across four stands, providing uninterrupted sightlines without any obstructing pillars, a design choice that ensures optimal visibility for all 50,000 football spectators. The field consists of a natural grass pitch measuring 105 by 68 meters, engineered for durability under frequent use while maintaining playability.[19][28][12] Sustainability permeates the architectural approach, with energy-efficient materials and construction methods that minimize environmental impact, earning the arena the 2015 IOC/IPC/IAKS Award in recognition of its visionary, functional, and eco-conscious design. High-strength steel usage in the structure reduced overall weight by 13 percent compared to conventional alternatives, further lowering resource demands during construction.[29][26] Among its distinctive elements is the centrally suspended media cube, comprising four 65-square-meter LED screens weighing 64 tonnes, which delivers immersive visual enhancements for events. The facade's pioneering LED lighting setup, introduced in 2012, supports vibrant, programmable displays that were among the most advanced in European stadiums at the time.[30]Capacity and layout
Nationalarenan, known commercially as Strawberry Arena, has a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 for football matches, providing all-seated arrangements to meet UEFA requirements for international fixtures.[19] For domestic club games, such as those hosted by AIK Fotboll, the capacity can increase to around 54,000 by incorporating safe standing areas in designated sections.[3] The venue's flexible design allows it to scale down to as few as 20,000 spectators for smaller events, achieved by closing off upper tiers and utilizing modular seating configurations.[31] For concerts and entertainment events, the arena accommodates up to 60,000 attendees, including standing areas around the stage, though this varies based on stage positioning and production layout.[19] The overall layout features three tiers of seating with uninterrupted sightlines from every position, ensuring proximity to the event floor for enhanced viewer experience.[19] Premium options include 92 executive suites and dedicated hospitality areas, while 126 press seats are allocated in a media tribune overlooking the pitch.[3] Accessibility is prioritized with designated wheelchair viewing positions in Stand 1, Row 26, and companion seating for guests with reduced mobility; the exact number of spots adjusts per event but supports multiple users with companion access.[32] Additional facilities include family-friendly zones in lower tiers and full compliance with Swedish standards for sensory support and assisted listening devices. The arena's location in Solna enhances reachability, situated adjacent to Solna Centrum metro station on the blue line and Solna station for commuter trains, facilitating easy public transport access from central Stockholm.[33] The football pitch measures 105 meters by 68 meters and employs a hybrid turf system, combining natural grass with synthetic fibers for durability and consistent play, installed in early 2025 to address previous maintenance challenges in the enclosed environment.[34] This surface supports multi-purpose use, with rapid conversion capabilities to ice, gravel, or parquet for non-football events.[19]Technological innovations
The retractable roof of Nationalarenan consists of two movable sections, each measuring 3,750 square meters, enabling the arena to transition between indoor and outdoor configurations.[19] This fully automated system opens or closes in approximately 15 minutes, providing protection from adverse weather conditions and facilitating year-round events.[19] The design ensures the entire arena, spanning over 100,000 square meters, remains enclosed when closed, enhancing versatility for sports and entertainment.[35] Nationalarenan's audio-visual systems feature a central media cube suspended from the roof, with each of its four sides measuring 65 square meters for a total display area of 240 square meters, allowing comprehensive visibility across the venue. Complementing this are 647 distributed LED screens that deliver high-definition content to spectators, alongside a state-of-the-art sound system engineered for even coverage and clarity during events. These elements create an immersive experience, with the perimeter LED system— the largest UEFA-approved in the Nordic region—offering high brightness and minimal flicker for broadcast quality.[36] Sustainability technologies at Nationalarenan include extensive LED lighting throughout the 50,000-seat stadium, utilizing Color Kinetics solutions to reduce energy consumption while illuminating key areas efficiently.[37] The retractable roof and integrated climate control systems support year-round operations by maintaining optimal conditions regardless of external weather, minimizing environmental impact through adaptive enclosure.[12] Digital features enhance user experience via the Stockholm Live mobile app, which allows attendees to manage digital tickets, access event updates, and retrieve venue information in one platform.[38] The arena has operated on a fully cashless basis since its opening in 2012, streamlining payments for concessions, merchandise, and services using cards or mobile options.[39] Safety systems incorporate advanced protocols for fire suppression and evacuation, aligned with international standards for large-capacity venues, including automated alarms, sprinkler integration, and clearly marked egress routes to ensure rapid and orderly exits for up to 65,000 occupants.[40]Sports usage
Football matches
Nationalarenan, known internationally as Strawberry Arena, serves as the primary home venue for the Sweden men's national football team since its opening in 2012 and for AIK Fotboll in the Allsvenskan league starting from the 2013 season.[41][42] The stadium's configuration for football accommodates up to 50,000 seated spectators, enabling high-profile domestic and international fixtures.[7] The arena hosted its inaugural football match on November 14, 2012, when Sweden defeated England 4–2 in a friendly, drawing a crowd of 49,967 and setting an early benchmark for attendance. Notable international encounters include the 2017 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff first leg, where Sweden beat Italy 1–0 on November 10 before 49,193 fans, securing progression to the finals on away goals after a goalless return leg.[43] For the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, Sweden played home games against Austria (lost 1–3 on September 12, 2023) and Estonia (won 2–0 on November 19, 2023), contributing to their group stage efforts despite failing to qualify.[44] By late 2025, the venue had hosted dozens of Swedish men's national team matches, including qualifiers and friendlies, underscoring its role as the country's central football hub. For example, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Sweden hosted Switzerland on October 10, 2025, losing 0–2.[45][46] The Sweden women's national team has also utilized the arena for key fixtures, such as the 6–1 Nations League victory over Denmark on June 3, 2025, which advanced them to the semi-finals.[47] Earlier, it hosted the record women's attendance of 33,218 for a 2022 friendly against Brazil.[46] In club football, AIK has made the arena its home for Allsvenskan matches, sharing the venue with national team commitments.[48] High-stakes derbies, such as the 2018 clash with rivals Hammarby IF, drew 49,034 spectators—the highest for a Swedish club league match at the time—and highlighted the stadium's capacity to foster intense atmospheres.[49] Other notable AIK games include the 2013 season opener against Syrianska FC, which attracted 43,463 fans.[50] To address pitch wear from frequent use, the arena trialed hybrid grass—a mix of natural turf reinforced with synthetic fibers—in early 2025, aiming to enhance durability for both national and club schedules.[51] This adaptation followed ongoing challenges with natural grass maintenance since 2012.[34]Other sporting events
Nationalarenan demonstrates its versatility beyond football by hosting prominent bandy competitions, including the Elitserien finals in 2013 and 2014. The 2013 final saw Hammarby IF defeat Sandvikens AIK 9–4 before a record crowd of 38,474 spectators, marking the first indoor Swedish bandy championship and highlighting the arena's capacity for large-scale winter sports events.[52] In 2014, Sandvikens AIK claimed the title with a 5–4 victory over Västerås SK, drawing 20,497 attendees and further showcasing the venue's suitability for bandy through its retractable roof and adaptable flooring.[52] The arena's infrastructure supports ice-based sports via temporary ice rink installations, enabling occasional ice hockey exhibitions and potential SHL matches, though such events remain infrequent compared to dedicated hockey venues like Avicii Arena.[53] This adaptability underscores the facility's multi-purpose design, with ice setups convertible from the standard turf surface in a matter of days. Since 2014, Nationalarenan has been the annual home of the Sweden International Horse Show, a leading CSI5* equestrian event focused on show jumping held during the first week of Advent.[54] The 2025 edition, scheduled for November 27–30, features top global riders competing in high-profile classes, including the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix, while utilizing the arena's full 50,000-seat capacity for spectators and integrating luxury shopping and entertainment elements. The event's relocation from Globen Arena to Nationalarenan enhanced its scale, with the venue's open floor configuration accommodating stables, warm-up areas, and jumping arenas efficiently. Other notable sporting events include motorcycle speedway, where the arena hosted the FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Scandinavia in 2015, 2016, and 2017, transforming its interior into a 333-meter temporary clay track for elite international racing. These adaptations, involving specialized flooring and safety barriers, attracted thousands of fans and positioned the venue as a key Nordic host for motorsport, though no such events are confirmed for 2025. The arena's modular systems facilitate these conversions, ensuring seamless transitions between sports without permanent alterations.Entertainment and cultural events
Major concerts
Nationalarenan has established itself as a premier venue for major international concerts since its opening, hosting performances by some of the world's leading artists and drawing large crowds to Stockholm. One of the earliest significant concerts was Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball Tour show on May 3, 2013, which attracted over 55,000 attendees and set a benchmark for the arena's concert capabilities.[55][10] The arena has welcomed a roster of notable performers, including Beyoncé during her Formation World Tour in 2016 and Renaissance World Tour in 2023, Coldplay on their A Head Full of Dreams Tour in 2016 and Music of the Spheres World Tour in 2022, Ed Sheeran on his ÷ Tour in 2018, Ariana Grande on her Dangerous Woman Tour in 2017, and AC/DC on their Rock or Bust World Tour in 2015.[19][56][57][58][59][60] More recently, Bruce Springsteen returned for his 2024 World Tour on July 15 and 18, with additional ongoing tours scheduled through 2025 contributing to the venue's vibrant concert calendar.[61] Concert configurations at Nationalarenan feature flexible stage setups typically positioned in the end zones to accommodate up to 65,000 spectators, with acoustic optimizations enhancing sound quality across the large indoor space. The arena's advanced audio systems, including distributed arrays for even coverage, support these adaptations for high-fidelity performances.[12][62] The venue holds records for high concert attendances, with multiple acts exceeding 55,000 fans per show, including Bruce Springsteen's 2013 performances and more recent events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in 2024, which set a single-night record of 60,243.[63][64] significantly elevating Stockholm's status in the global music industry by attracting international superstars and fostering a dynamic local scene.[55][19]Non-sporting events and shows
Nationalarenan has hosted Melodifestivalen, Sweden's annual national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, since 2013, with the final consistently held there each year.[65] The event typically features semi-finals in various cities, but the grand final, broadcast live by SVT, draws large audiences to the arena, showcasing performances by competing artists and culminating in the selection of Sweden's Eurovision entry.[66] In 2025, the final was held at Nationalarenan on March 8, maintaining its role as a key media and cultural broadcast venue.[65] The arena also serves as the primary venue for the Sweden International Horse Show, an annual equestrian event held in late November that combines international competitions in disciplines such as jumping, dressage, and driving with cultural performances and exhibitions.[54] This multi-day spectacle attracts global riders and spectators, emphasizing the cultural heritage of equestrian sports in Sweden through shows, workshops, and family-oriented programs in the main arena and adjacent exhibition spaces.[67] Tech Arena conferences, organized by Techarenan, have utilized Nationalarenan for major business and innovation gatherings, including the 2023 and 2024 editions that drew thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders for discussions on technology and growth.[68] The 2025 event, themed "Becoming the Best in the World," is scheduled for February 20-21 and expects around 12,000 attendees, highlighting the arena's capacity for large-scale professional networking and keynote sessions.[69] Public and corporate events at Nationalarenan include expos, fairs, and gala dinners, leveraging its adaptable spaces for business gatherings and promotional showcases.[70] The venue's modular design supports configurations for conferences and similar events accommodating 10,000 to 20,000 participants, enabling seamless transitions between plenary sessions, exhibitions, and networking areas.[71]Impact and attendance
Football average attendances
Since its opening in 2012, the Swedish national football team has drawn average attendances of 35,000 to 45,000 spectators per home match at Nationalarenan, with peaks approaching 50,000 during prominent fixtures in the 2010s such as the 2012 opener against England (49,967 attendees). Recent international matches, including qualifiers and friendlies, have maintained strong turnouts.[72] These figures reflect the stadium's role as the national team's primary venue, hosting around 5-7 home games annually across competitions.[72] For club football, AIK's home games in the Allsvenskan have averaged 20,000 to 25,000 fans per match from 2013 to 2025, though derbies against rivals like Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby IF routinely surpass 40,000, as seen in the 44,734 turnout for the 2024 AIK-Djurgården clash.[73] Recent seasons show elevated averages, with 25,739 in 2023 and 28,589 in 2024, underscoring AIK's status as the league's top-drawing club.[74] Attendance trends at Nationalarenan indicate an initial post-2012 decline for club matches, attributed to fan resistance to the shared venue model with the national team and other clubs, dropping AIK's average to around 18,900 in 2013 from 14,311 in their final Råsunda season. Recovery emerged in the 2020s, driven by boosted international fixtures for the national team and Allsvenskan-wide growth, with total league attendance reaching record 2.4 million in 2023.[75] Compared to the preceding Råsunda Stadium (capacity 36,508), Nationalarenan's 50,000 football capacity has enabled consistently higher crowd sizes, particularly for national team games that previously maxed out at Råsunda's limits. Factors influencing these attendances include ticket pricing (typically 200-500 SEK for Allsvenskan seats, lower for national team promotions), the retractable roof mitigating Sweden's variable weather, and a diverse fan demographic blending local Stockholm supporters with nationwide travelers for international matches.[76]| Season | Competition | Matches | Total Spectators | Average Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Allsvenskan | 15 | 283,500 | 18,900 |
| 2023 | Allsvenskan | 15 | 386,085 | 25,739 |
| 2024 | Allsvenskan | 15 | 428,840 | 28,589 |
| 2025* | Allsvenskan | 14 | 419,264 | 29,947 |