So where would Hammarby and Djurgården play then?

Stockholm need new arenas, so why not build some nice ones with roof so that you can play in winter time. :)

Of course, i see your point. As long as SvFF doesnt allow them to use Stockholm stadion and Södermalm? in Allsvenskan, they`re of course gonna have to look for other options. And as i`ve read they`re struggeling to find places to build stadiums of their own on, and as long as thats the case then they we`re allways gonna end up at Stockholmsarenan. But what i was saying was that what both DIF and Bajen have to pay in rent is only gonna cover a small % of what Stockholmsarenan have to generate in income to cover the debt, break even, make money etc...

There is also a question, and this i know nothing about, to what extent will Stockholm and these two arenas be able to attract big enough artists and arrange big enough shows to generate enough revenue in order for these two stadiums to be profitable?

Is the Ericsson Globe profitable? No, it hasn´t been since it was built more than 20 years ago. But has Stockholm tax payers lost money in the investment globen? I have to say no to that question also. It´s estimated that the globen area generates 1.5 billion sek in revenues from tourism every year and therefore I have to say that I don´t agree with Dan Persson in that aspect. However, we didn´t need two multi use stadiums. And it would have been far better in my view to support the clubs in their own projects.

Of course, i see your point. As long as SvFF doesnt allow them to use Stockholm stadion and Södermalm? in Allsvenskan, they`re of course gonna have to look for other options. And as i`ve read they`re struggeling to find places to build stadiums of their own on, and as long as thats the case then they we`re allways gonna end up at Stockholmsarenan.
You are right. When SvFF decided to sell Råsunda, AIK had to look for alternatives. They wanted to have their own arena, but when SvFF wanted to build the new national arena in Solna, Solna municipal decided to support that one. AIK is not a big fan of playing at Swedbank Arena since they feel they were forced by SvFF to play there (by selling Råsunda) and that Swedbank Arena is partially owned by SvFF. AIK also think that Swedbank arena is too big for them. It will be possible to put a curtain over the top tier to get a more intimate feeling, but nobody knows if it will work (when it comes to sound etc.) AIK has not been involved in the design of Swedbank arena.
I think AIK will play at Swedbank for a long time. It will not be easy for them to get funding's and economy to build their own arena.

When it comes to Hammarby, they have been involved in the design of Stockholmsarenan and are pleased to play there. However, I think it is too big. Instead of 30 000 seats, I think it would have been enough with 20 000 seats or maybe less. I think they decided to go for 30k because Sweden should be able to have the European championships there in the future.

Djurgården are not pleased to play at Stockholmsarenan. They have not been involved in the design and the arena is placed in the wrong side of town. They want to build a new arena at Östermalms IP, but like AIK, it will be hard for them to raise funding's for that.

But what i was saying was that what both DIF and Bajen have to pay in rent is only gonna cover a small % of what Stockholmsarenan have to generate in income to cover the debt, break even, make money etc...
It's true that the income from AIK playing at Swedbank and HIF and Djurgården from playing at Stockholmsarenan is very small. The income from AIK playing at Swedbank arena for example, will be around 3% of the total income.
It will be interesting to see how many other events they are able to get to these arenas.


When it comes to Swedbank arena it is a risk for both Solna tax payers (investing in the arena and area around it) and SvFF (investing 300 million in Swedbank Arena). The future will tell if they will win or lose on it. Tax payers outside Solna will not risk loosing any tax money.

Tax payers outside Solna will not risk loosing any tax money.

Fully state-owned Jernhusen AB is a part owner.

Fully state-owned Jernhusen AB is a part owner.
They sold the land where the arena is built if I understood it right. That land would have been pretty useless without the arena...

Djurgården are not pleased to play at Stockholmsarenan. They have not been involved in the design

Neither has Hammarby.

They did not choose capacity, form, playing surface or anything.

Neither has Hammarby.

They did not choose capacity, form, playing surface or anything.
"Or anything"... That is not true at all.

"Vi har varit med från första början och har påverkat och påverkar saker på detaljnivå."

http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/se/aktuellt/artiklar/?articleid=37449
http://www.nyarena.se/web/d119900e-0a12-49a2-89c2-884423c4dc11.aspx

"Or anything"... That is not true at all.

"Vi har varit med från första början och har påverkat och påverkar saker på detaljnivå."

http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/se/aktuellt/artiklar/?articleid=37449
http://www.nyarena.se/web/d119900e-0a12-49a2-89c2-884423c4dc11.aspx

So they, including the players, are happy to start playing on a plastic pitch then? Have the players had their saying in that matter? I`m guessing no... Everytime that is an issue here in Norway, the players when asked what they want to play on allways say grass, also in matters where clubs are concidering changeing from natural to plastic, but comercial minds in boardrooms in the various clubs turn the deaf ear to them and just ignore it.

Also, Bajen with a 30k stadium? I know that Bajen have a big fan-base, but don`t they average about 10-15k? Or is that figure so "low" because of their currently out-dated stadium and the fact that they are in Superettan? Though i must ad that i`m not up to date when it comes to Bajens average attendance over the last years, it`s just an assumption on my behalf...

"Or anything"... That is not true at all.

"Vi har varit med från första början och har påverkat och påverkar saker på detaljnivå."

http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/se/aktuellt/artiklar/?articleid=37449
http://www.nyarena.se/web/d119900e-0a12-49a2-89c2-884423c4dc11.aspx

Like what? Give me an example of what aspects of the overall design of the stadium that they have been involved with.

Like what? Give me an example of what aspects of the overall design of the stadium that they have been involved with.
I haven't been to those meetings so I can't of course not give you a full story of all the issues being discussed there and what influence Hammarby have had.

But I know for example that the angle of the lower tier was based on a wish from Hammarby etc.

But let's not go OT anymore. This thread is about Swedbank arena.

They sold the land where the arena is built if I understood it right. That land would have been pretty useless without the arena...

True. But it is also true that "Jernhusen is part owner in three of the companies founded to develop Arenastaden and Swedbank Arena"

http://www.jernhusen.se/templates/Page.aspx?id=617

Seats will be mounted in January

First international game: November 14 2012.

From the facebook of the arena.
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/313398_10150356045835975_364505170974_8359838_919557217_n.jpg

^^Yeah!!! Support pillars are totally removed!! :D

Also from Facebook. The roof is getting in place:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380647_10150351939360975_364505170974_8331019_1044432776_n.jpg

Seats!

http://i.imgur.com/EZ2kE.jpg
from www.webbkameror.se

Don't think it is seats. They will not be mounted until January.

Don't think it is seats. They will not be mounted until January.

Looks like seats from this angle.

http://http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php (http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php)

Looks like seats from this angle.

http://http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php (http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php)

Either these are seats, or this is not a stadium ;)

Either these are seats, or this is not a stadium ;)

:lol:

The seating area might be a test for the moment only(?)

Looks like seats from this angle.

http://http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php (http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/arenastaden/arenastaden_4_1280.php)
Are you sure? :cool:

Ok, but they wrote on the Facebook page that the seats would be mounted in January. So either they're very early, or the information on Facebook was wrong, or it is some kind of test.

But the brackets for the seats seems to be mounted on the lower tier, so maybe they're ahead of schedule?

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6928/31040810150366690790975.jpg

Seats :)

They're writing on Facebook that it is a test.

First game is sweden vs england next year, just saw on thefa.com we were the first opponents to play sweden at their previous stadium i think too

First game is sweden vs england next year, just saw on thefa.com we were the first opponents to play sweden at their previous stadium i think too

This has been scheduled for a while, but it's dependent on England and Sweden not being drawn into the same group for Euro. Hopefully they don't. It'd be a fun match.

Ha ha yer we have actually learnt to beat sweden now for the first time since 1968. I might go sweden for a break if this game gets arranged

I´ve asked Arenastaden about the capacity (UEFA-games and domestic) and the answer I´ve got is that the number of seats is more than 50 000, but they dont know the numbers untill all seats are assembled.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6317916502_0f371d60e6_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skumroffe/6317916502/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6317409147_bea14b6d80_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skumroffe/6317409147/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6317935162_554f817e0a_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skumroffe/6317935162/

Very impressive. I like this stadium :D

So no Sweden - England game then. I hope for a south american opponent. Argentina perhaps?

any new pics?

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/381504_10150410603440975_364505170974_8559106_1617452399_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/swedbankarena

December 2011:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/383089_10150412892845975_364505170974_8567730_1338939224_n.jpg

:cheers:

when it will be delivered?

It looks very good :)

Awesome!

I think the roof could be a little higher.:shifty:

You know, at least as high as the one on Veltins-Arena.

I think the roof could be a little higher.:shifty:

You know, at least as high as the one on Veltins-Arena.

Why? I want it as low as possible.

That's one of the concerns I have with stockholmsarenan. The roof is to high.

NesC, do you imply that a lower ceiling would give better (louder) acoustics? Or do you prefer a lower ceiling due to other reasons?

Why? I want it as low as possible.

So that something like U2's concert stage could fit inside.

See:

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd51/Jericho-79/mobilbilder-082_76515167.jpg

NesC, do you imply that a lower ceiling would give better (louder) acoustics? Or do you prefer a lower ceiling due to other reasons?

It gives a more intimate feeling in my opinion.

So that something like U2's concert stage could fit inside.

Well, the retractable roof can still be higher, I am talking about the roof that covers the stands. There is no problem getting the U2 stage to fit inside swedbank arena.

when it will be delivered?

It looks very good :)
The arena and the biggest part of the complex will be finished in 2012, and the rest of the complex should be finished one year later, 2013.

Really amazing. What a jewel for Sweden.

wow!

I'm more than happy with a low roof. We swedes have the Globe, which gives BAD acoustic due to it's crazy high roof. Acoustic is important for us non-sport fans :)

and what do you think of this roof height? :D

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/8389/virtualtoursoutheast.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/847/virtualtoursoutheast.jpg/)

too low or high enough?

^^I was hoping for the roof to be as high as the Statue of Liberty.

too low or high enough?
Hard to tell. Depends on how the acoustics will be. Same with Swedbank arena, you can't tell for sure until it's tested in real.

Imagine this look from outside when AIK play their games;
http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/bildbank/SwedbankArena_AIK.jpg

With this atmosphere inside at the same time;
http://www.menvafan.net/vykort/23a.jpg

It would make Mordor look like a kinder-garden.

Truly amazing.

Gnaget Inferno

Imagine this look from outside when AIK play their games;

With this atmosphere inside at the same time;

It would make Mordor look like a kinder-garden.

Truly amazing.

Gnaget Inferno

Except isn't there a serious threat they'll be penalizing pyro in the new stadium a lot more than in the current one? After all, that's the global tendency in new stadiums to have ever greater 'customer behaviour' control...

In this case they'll have one thing working in the advantage of such ban and harsh restrictions - lack of proper ventilation to make the smoke disperse quickly.

impossible to see correctly a firework launched from the roof of the stadium :ohno:

like this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/5769009145_17da7165e6_b.jpg

or this:

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/296/stadeduhainautinaugurat.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/stadeduhainautinaugurat.jpg/)

Except isn't there a serious thread they'll be penalizing pyro in the new stadium a lot more than in the current one? After all, that's the global tendency in new stadiums to have ever greater 'customer behaviour' control...

In this case they'll have one thing working in the advantage of such ban and harsh restrictions - lack of proper ventilation to make the smoke disperse quickly.

"Rules are made to be broken" as some say. Don´t think the Ultras would stop burning flares only because our games is in a new stadium. Not even metal frames, as the ones on the airports has stopped them before.

Would be fantastic with a new "Gnaget Inferno".

And yes, with a good ventilation, it wont be as "dangerous" as it has been before.

I wish they invented some kind of pyro-zones in the stadiums. Maybe at the bottom of the short-side-stands. It gives so much to the atmosphere.

But as long as they are not banned from the stadiums, it will keep on running on. I hope they will never get our Ultras.

----

It will be amazing to take a look at the stadium next summer.

I suggest the opening-game at the new stadium would be between AIK and the Swedish National Team. Would be a fantastic game since everyone in Sweden, accept the AIK-supporters, hates AIK more than for example Denmark.

It's nothing more than fair, since such a game would attract more people, not only because it´s a pretty unique game.
It would certainly come more AIK-supporters to a game between them and Sweden, than for example Danes in a game between them and Sweden.

Last time AIK played against the National Team, AIK won.
Doesn't Sweden want revenge? :naughty:

Ikaros Tass

Are you drunk or is it just a normal case of the famous AIK hubris? ;)

The cladding:

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/3429/38717410150425042445975.jpg
Picture stolen from http://stockholmprojekt.blogspot.com/

Ikaros Tass

Are you drunk or is it just a normal case of the famous AIK hubris? ;)

Think I have to blame the hubris! ;)
But seriously, it would be a very interesting game.
If AIK does a good performance this spring, with a very good squad, I'm sure they could put up a fight.
Would be very interesting.

You don't like it because you would "have to" stand beside the rest of the Swedes against us.

Everyone hates us - we don't care!

You can't deny that it would be a great game.
Only imagine how the Swedish media would flip out.
"Zweden against AIK!". It's their dream to write about.

are the concourses are sheltered from the wind etc...?
I mean the facade is prefectly closed (doors) ?

are the concourses are sheltered from the wind etc...?
I mean the facade is prefectly closed (doors) ?
No, there are some big holes in the arena so that the wind and snow during winter can flow freely into the arena. :lol:

if you have nothing to do please let someone who knows this project to answer. :ohno:

i was talking about the access gates (closed or not)

are the concourses are sheltered from the wind etc...?
I mean the facade is prefectly closed (doors) ?

Yes! The facade is perfectly closed!

thank you

Biggest mall in the nordic countries has been aproved next to the arena. Mall of scandinavia will be 300 000 m². Build starts i january and will be finished 2015.

More info in swedish at:
http://www.solna.se/sv/stadsbyggnad-trafik/stadsplanering/pagaende-byggprojekt/mall-of-scandinavia/

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9314/swedbankarena1.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)


When are they going to put up the center video cube?

Great!

Good arena for Russian hockey and bandy!

Perhaps a good stadium for Moscow to copy if they want something brand new for WC 2018 and don't want to touch the Luzhniki stadium? Perhaps with 4 tiers and a capacity of >80000?

Perhaps a good stadium for Moscow to copy if they want something brand new for WC 2018 and don't want to touch the Luzhniki stadium? Perhaps with 4 tiers and a capacity of >80000?

Luzhniki after the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 and World Cup in Athletics 2013 will be closed for reconstruction until 2016. Will be removed athletic sector, lowering the field down to 4 meters, stands built closer to the field, increase of the roof and capacity to 89 500.
http://stadiums.at.ua/news/luzhniki/2011-09-15-3813
As for the Russian hockey and bandy, Swedbank arena will bring our (and your) national sport to new levels. I hope that in Russia, too, will be play hockey on the new big arena, for example, in St. Petersburg(69 500), the more that it will be a retractable roof and field, winter can be filled with ice.

Wait a minute, is hockey going to be played in Swedbank Arena? Are they going to add seats? They would have to cover up the top seats also I guess...who wants to sit there!

Wait a minute, is hockey going to be played in Swedbank Arena? Are they going to add seats? They would have to cover up the top seats also I guess...who wants to sit there!

I do not think that the 3 tier closed down. There are also video club. Especially since there want to hold a championship final.
http://svtplay.se/v/2378585/bandy/_bandyfinalen_-_sveriges_super_bowl_?sb,b1387528,5,f,-1

New pictures?

Wait a minute, is hockey going to be played in Swedbank Arena? Are they going to add seats? They would have to cover up the top seats also I guess...who wants to sit there!

"Russian hockey" (or hockey with ball) = bandy
No ice hockey game planned, even if Swedbank Arena have stated on Facebook that it is theoretically possible.

December 2009:

http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2009december.jpg

January 2011:
http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2011januari.jpg

January 2012:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408950_10150482452235975_364505170974_8851682_1104134146_n.jpg

:cheers: :banana: :cheers:

thks for the pics .

January 2012:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408950_10150482452235975_364505170974_8851682_1104134146_n.jpg
http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2012januari.jpg

Seats on the left side!

http://i.imgur.com/YHou5.jpg (http://imgur.com/YHou5)
www.webbkameror.se

Very nice 'cept for one aspect: Does Swedbank Arena feature a retractable pitch? I really see them highly endangered to deliever a playable turf (given the multifunctional setup, little lighting sources due to cantilever construction under the roof, also considering high latitude of Stockholm for sunbeams to come at all)

I have a question. Every Picture tells me it will be red seats, but the latest video shows blue seats and the seats from the webcam doesnt look red at all.
When did they decide to have blue? I want the red!!

Does Swedbank Arena feature a retractable pitch?

no.

I have a question. Every Picture tells me it will be red seats, but the latest video shows blue seats and the seats from the webcam doesnt look red at all.
When did they decide to have blue? I want the red!!

I tend to like red more. The again, it's our national arena and something yellow or blue would be more appropriate I guess. Kinda neat of they made a shape of some sort with the seats. Anyone got details?

From page 27:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6928/31040810150366690790975.jpg

Seats :)

Probably, this video has already been posted here, however there might be some answer to possible questions presented:

WH11eqI-QlE

The video is one of the latest ones, as far as i know.

The first tire will have seats in the same blue color as the blue in the AIK-crest.
http://www.google.se/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://aikfotboll.hosterspace.com/aikfootballcamp.se/bilder/aik.jpg&sa=X&ei=lvIRT5fjKYv74QTAs-zkAQ&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHDqPZfma-IzVJWZmSo7Er54bT4XQ

On the second there will be a little lighter version of the color on the first tire, and on the third, highest tire, there will be a even brighter than the earlier blue colors.

In this, there will be yellow seats scattered here and there over the whole stadium. Hate the red color. The Stockholm Globe Arena has red seats, and it destroys the complete atmosphere. Tifo-coreographys would'nt be as nice as if there where dark seats.

I think this color-scheme will be perfekt.

The dream would be a stadium with black seats all over.

^^ Sounds really nice! :)

I also prefer the blue chairs over the red, thinks it looks much, much better! :cheers:


:)

Yes red seats feels 1980s like Globe Arena. Dark blue will be perfect. Not too convinced about the yellow spots tho...

http://nyheter24.se/incoming/article618873.ece/ALTERNATES/img514x344/sy87d2ce.jpg

Maybe some of these pictures have already been posted, however it would be nice to remember, wouldn't it?

(c) swedbankarena.se
http://i.imgur.com/jKG2Q.jpg

(c) swedbankarena.se
http://i.imgur.com/7tINX.jpg

(c) swedbankarena.se
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2676/swedbanklarge550x250.jpg

Source: http://www.swedbankarena.se/bildbank.asp.

In the official site of the project the planned date of end of construction is november this year. :)

1Yt5_mOs9Hs

They're putting up the facade right now, and the the northern end of the arena seems pretty much covered now. It's looking pretty good, from what I can see while going by on the commuter train every day.

From a webcam...
http://www.liveevent.se/webbkamera/jernhusen/jernhusen_1_1280.jpg
http://www.webbkameror.se/byggkameror/jernhusen/hagalund/hagalund_1280.php

http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2012februari.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421402_10150542808185975_364505170974_9038767_2144191502_n.jpg

Showing the north side

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422023_10150568309345975_364505170974_9097638_1957907399_n.jpg

Must be mostly done now then?

Looking good.

The inauguration date is set for November 14th with a game between Sweden and England. The first international game at Råsunda was also a game between Sweden and England on May 17th, 1937. The first game ever at Råsunda was between AIK and Malmö FF on April 18th 1937, and Råsunda's as a competitive sport arena will end just days before this stadium's inauguration (barring AIK's qualification to the Europa League group stage). AIK-Malmö FF will tie things up on November 4th.

I only have one question, and that's how they're going to finish the surroundings enough to have 50 000 people come and go to the commuter train station and local buses without problem on November 14th.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429411_10150597510530975_364505170974_9196582_832136344_n.jpg

:)

Looks amazing! I can see that the roof has moved aswell :)

Here is a new pic from March
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150631945625975&set=a.376910015974.157181.364505170974&type=1&theater

Here is a new pic from March
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150631945625975&set=a.376910015974.157181.364505170974&type=1&theater

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/485210_10150631945625975_364505170974_9315402_1087778813_n.jpg

http://swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2010mars.jpg

http://swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2011mars.jpg

http://swedbankarena.se/images/flygbilder/2012mars.jpg

It looks amazing :)

Stage for Eurovision 2013? :)

^^

I was thinkin' just the same! xD

And why not a new Stockholm arena, which is U/C, aswell? Anyway, Sweden has to win first. :)

http://blog.visitstockholm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/swedbankarena_arenacity.jpg

And why not a new Stockholm arena, which is U/C, aswell? Anyway, Sweden has to win first. :)

Swedbank has bigger capacity, and I think it´s possible to have a sellout no matter what the stage is.
Will Stockholmsarenan be finished by then?

Of course, a win is necessary, but Sweden is the favorite.

Swedbank has bigger capacity, and I think it´s possible to have a sellout no matter what the stage is.
Will Stockholmsarenan be finished by then?

I think, it can be too dificult to attract many spectators of the ESC to 'Swedbank arena'. The contest is not very popular these days. It wouldn't be nice to see a half-empty arena, anyway.

Of course, a win is necessary, but Sweden is the favorite.

Being a favorite doesn't mean much in the recent years. Anna Bergendahl with 'This is my life', for instance, was among favorites, aswell. However, she did not succeed as well as it was predicted. Same can be said about Eric Saade with a song 'Popular'. It was believed that he was the one to win whole the contest, but at the end, we saw a different winner and a surprise follower. :)
I, personaly, believe that 'Stockholm arena' will be finnished on time.
If the contest was to held in Stockholm (any other host city can be chosen, aswell), the capacity of 'Stockholm arena' seems to be more suitable (a capacity of the new arena built in Baku is a good hint (taking into consideration that Eurovision is still a 'big thing' there)). Also, the surroundings of this arena are more attractive and the city center can be reached much easier. :)

I don't think Anna Bergendahl was a favorite in any shape or form. Eric Saade did very well, and was one of the contenders talked about before the finale, but he wasn't the favorite. Loreen really is the favorite at the moment, though that of course doesn't mean she'll definitely win.

If she wins though, scheduling the Eurovision finale in Stockholmsarenan would be a huge gamble, since it's not supposed to open until about that time, and there's a real risk of delays at the moment.

But the point might be moot, since even if Sweden gets the Eurovision, the finale might not be in Stockholm. It was the last time we hosted, so it's very possble that some other city get's it.

I bet it would be Malmö, then. :D

Even though Anna Bergendahl was one of the favorites, i meant Charlotte Perrelli with 'Hero', of course. ;)
Anyway, this year we can expect to see a susriprise winner (think Italy, France, Denmark?). :)

Seven points "goes" to... Norway! Sept points pour la Norvège!

Eight points "goes" to... Finland! Huit points pour la Finlande!

Ten points "goes" to... Iceland! Dix points pour l'Islande!

And finally... Twelve points "goes" to... Denmark! Douze points pour le Danemark!




Six points "goes" to... Lithuania! Six points pour la Lituanie!

Seven points "goes" to... Georgia! Sept points pour la Géorgie!

Eight points "goes" to... Moldova! Huit points pour la Moldavie!

Ten points "goes" to... Ukraine! Dix points pour l'Ukraine!

And finally... twelve points "goes" to... Azerbaijan! Douze points pour l'Azerbaïdjan!




Yeah, Eurovision Song Contest, uh? :|

My god... As an Italian living in Sweden that is my nightmare... You guys are fucking obsessed with melodifestivalen/Eurovision!
Worst crap EVER.
Happy in my country no one cares about that sh*t!
Love u anyway suedes :)

I also hate that Eurovision crap. But people in this country are a bit weird.

Once again, the newspapers claim that this arena will be named Friends Arena. Very embarrassing for AIK but also for Sweden.

Once again, the newspapers claim that this arena will be named Friends Arena. Very embarrassing for AIK but also for Sweden.

But it suits them so well! Friendly Black Army :lol:

Like most arena names, I think it will grow on people.

I also hate that Eurovision crap. But people in this country are a bit weird.
I hate it as well! I try to ignore it as good as I can, but it's not easy... :ohno:

Once again, the newspapers claim that this arena will be named Friends Arena. Very embarrassing for AIK but also for Sweden.
Is it really embarrassing? Hmm, maybe you're right. Maybe it should be named "Friends foundation arena" or something like that instead of just "Friends".

But it suits them so well! Friendly Black Army :lol:

Like most arena names, I think it will grow on people.

I guess you won't be the one who will visit this arena every game huh?

Don´t tell us that the name will "grow on us", because, it won't.

I don't know anyone who will call it "Friends Arena". Neither "Swedbank Arena" if that would still be the name.

Maybe we will call it "Nya Råsundastadion" or "Frösundastadion".
Those two names are much better and will suit the stadium much better on our matches.

Friends Arena

It's growing on me already. Yes I will do my best to make sure it sticks.

Omg... Catastrophic name....

I guess you won't be the one who will visit this arena every game huh?

Don´t tell us that the name will "grow on us", because, it won't.


I said it will grow on people. That excludes the AIK-fans ;)

But seriously, the name is weird but also quite charming.

The name "Friends Arena" is really final. :ohno: :goodnight :hammer: :rant:

The concept behind the name etc. will be presented on a press conference in April 3.

http://www.resume.se/nyheter/reklam/2012/03/26/reklamhojdare-bakom-friends-arena-presenteras-3-april/

I think it's a great name, some so called supporters might learn something ;) (but I doubt it)

I think it's a great name, some so called supporters might learn something ;) (but I doubt it)
Don't you get it. For a person who don't know what Friends foundation is (around 99%), the name doesn't make any sense at all. It's just weird. Like "Vänner arena" in Swedish.

Something wrong with goodwill points?
No I get it, people will gather at the friends arena to make new friends.
:troll:

Personally, I've always thought the title of this thread should read "STOCKHOLM - Swedbank Arena".

No one outside of Scandinavia has ever heard of "Solna".

It's like how the Soccer City thread is named "JOHANNESBURG - Soccer City Stadium" because the name "Soweto" is not well-known to the world.

As a true råtta, I find the name "Friends" absolutely horrible...

At first I was sceptical about the possibilities to host the next ´Eurovision Song Contest´ in this new arena in the case of the Swedish victory, however I am pleasantly susprised to see that even the national final which is the popular show ´Melodifestivalen´ will take place in the arena next year: http://esctoday.com/news/read/18569#react. This show will be like a true ESC, if not better, in the arena with up to 65.000 spectators. :)

It's new name will be "Friends arena". The name is from an anti-bullying foundation in Sweden. Poor AIK but in all honesty all sponsorship rights for stadium names are stupid.. :banana:

Change the title to: SOLNA - Friends Arena

http://resources0.mynewsdesk.com/files/c09631ed27763699b46e21f9a769725b/resources/ResourceLogotype/thumbnails/friends-arena-logo_small.jpg

Nu är det klart. Swedbank skänker namnrätten till den nya nationalarenan i fotboll i Solna till antimobbningsorganisationen Friends, och arenans nya namn blir Friends Arena.

At first I was sceptical about the possibilities to host the next ´Eurovision Song Contest´ in this new arena in the case of the Swedish victory, however I am pleasantly susprised to see that even the national final which is the popular show ´Melodifestivalen´ will take place in the arena next year: http://esctoday.com/news/read/18569#react. This show will be like a true ESC, if not better, in the arena with up to 65.000 spectators. :)


I´m not surprised.

It's a disgrace that it will be called "Friends" arena. First of all its a
shit name because it's our national stadium and for people who dont
know what Friends is it will be a laughing stock.

Second of all, the Foundation is owned by Swedbank so it's not like
they are "giving" the name away. Also the Foundation have
gotten criticism from Skolverket.

it will be very interesting to see mf in 2013 and if the ESC final will be in swedbank arena

http://www.swedbankarena.se/images/bildbank/Friends-Arena-logo.jpg

It's a disgrace that it will be called "Friends" arena. First of all its a
shit name because it's our national stadium and for people who dont
know what Friends is it will be a laughing stock.

Second of all, the Foundation is owned by Swedbank so it's not like
they are "giving" the name away. Also the Foundation have
gotten criticism from Skolverket.

How is "Swedbank" less of a disgrace?

:lol: they dare!

How is "Swedbank" less of a disgrace?

I agree. 'Swedbank arena' did not seem to be a very good name to call an arena, aswell.

TsX9rT9OC7I

Vi ser hur solen stiger över Friends Arena :rofl:

It's new name will be "Friends arena". The name is from an anti-bullying foundation in Sweden. Poor AIK but in all honesty all sponsorship rights for stadium names are stupid.. :banana:

I didn't know Europe had set up anti-bullying programs.

I thought anti-bulling campaigns are just an American thing.

^^ Why should that be, just an american thing? :ohno:

The funny thing with the Friends foundation is that it gets a lot of money from different companies etc. but nobody knows if it really makes a difference.

About the name: Around 80% seems to NOT like the name...

I didn't know Europe had set up anti-bullying programs.

I thought anti-bulling campaigns are just an American thing.

http://i.imgur.com/HddL8.gif

Seriously, I didn't know bullying was a problem in Europe.:dunno:


Anyway, I just found out this new stadium will have a larger capacity than Ullevi.

Seriously, I didn't know bullying was a problem in Europe.:dunno:


Anyway, I just found out this new stadium will have a larger capacity than Ullevi.

Maybe it's not such a big problem as in America, but there are still bullying going on here in Europe too!

Personally, I've always thought the title of this thread should read "STOCKHOLM - Swedbank Arena".

No one outside of Scandinavia has ever heard of "Solna".

It's like how the Soccer City thread is named "JOHANNESBURG - Soccer City Stadium" because the name "Soweto" is not well-known to the world.
Solna is quite well known in Poland, exactly for the reason that Rasunda has been there for Sweden-Poland games.

Soweto is even more famous, in this case globally. That's the place probably most associated with freedom movement during Apartheid. If anything, the Johannesburg thread should change name, not this one.

Will be one of Europe's marvels

Some pictures taken today of the construction os Friends arena, follow the link below.

Construction pictures of Friends Arena (http://stockholmprojekt.blogspot.se/2012/04/friends-arena.html)

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6726/45666820204277657745120.jpg
By moridin2002 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/moridin2002) at 2012-04-09

Picture taken from the official facebook page :)

Awesome. Are the seats mounted one by one, or is it mechanical?

they have come long way now

which are the dimensions of this project?

i want to compare them to lille one

thank you :)

Awesome. Are the seats mounted one by one, or is it mechanical?

Video clip showing how the BOX Seat is mounted:

http://www.theboxseat.co.uk/stadium-seating-installation/installation-video/

I sincerely hope those light blue colored seats have a much darker blue exposed when the plastic wrapping comes off. Not too many AIK fans will like what they see otherwise...

I sincerely hope those light blue colored seats have a much darker blue exposed when the plastic wrapping comes off. Not too many AIK fans will like what they see otherwise...
You shouldn't expect AIK blue. More like this:

http://www.friendsarena.se/images/arena_interior_480.jpg

Seats match the same blue colour that features in the national flag, right?

Seats match the same blue colour that also features in the national flag, right?

What i can recall the seat colour will have a darker blue tone in
the bottom and then be brighter and brighter, but still darker
then the blue colour in the swedish flag.

This is supposedly how they will do when AIK plays (since they possibly can't get 50k to their regular games). They cut off the third tier.
It might actually be very profitable with all the ad possibilities.
http://i40.tinypic.com/xnaujn.png

Wow, this looks great. What is the capacity of the lower two tiers?

Wow, this looks great. What is the capacity of the lower two tiers?

Lower: 20.000
Middle: 10.000

But they have said that the capacity will be over 50.000 since they
will "find" new chairs when they have put them all in place :lol:

Lower: 20.000
Middle: 10.000

But they have said that the capacity will be over 50.000 since they
will "find" new chairs when they have put them all in place :lol:

What they mean is that they can't determine final capacity until all the chairs have been mounted. But 50.000 chairs when the stadium is an all-seater is probably the minimum capacity. I think it'll be a few hundred more.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/389273_204896212958774_200753976706331_335457_608434880_n.jpg

One more from the facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/friendsarena.se/photos

nice tiltshift :)

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4737/47638020619855282854020.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/47638020619855282854020.jpg/)

Taken from their official facebook page. Ni to see how it looks with
the roof closed :cheers:

why are they building a tent in the arena?

This seems to be the color of the seats on the lower tier:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310408_10150366690790975_364505170974_8412387_1027045787_n.jpg

This seems to be the color of the seats on the lower tier:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310408_10150366690790975_364505170974_8412387_1027045787_n.jpg

Great color! I kind of dislike the blue of the Swedish flag (modern version, older has a more dark blue)

by EnJork
http://i.imgur.com/8FaNM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hJ5X5.jpg

by soldyrkaren
http://i.imgur.com/iKe7r.jpg

Friends Arena - April 2012.

Picture by Friends Arena on facebook.
http://imageshack.us/a/img209/5295/41543021072915570881320.jpg

And this hotel has started to go up where the yellow cranes are:

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9425/arenahotell03.jpg

I really hope the hotel will look better in reality than in the renders, otherwise it will destroy the great look of the whole complex.

But I'm very glad to see the arena rising, thanks for the pictures!

this hotel is a 70's design. i hope it won't be outdated before the first stone is layed.

The hotel looks like a swiss cheese version of Xbox 360.

I really hope the hotel will look better in reality than in the renders, otherwise it will destroy the great look of the whole complex.

But I'm very glad to see the arena rising, thanks for the pictures!
Most people seems to dislike the design of that hotel. I hate it too.

Also, there are some even uglier commie block looking residentials in the surroundings with the exact height.

But what to do...it's too late :cry:

Swedish architects really suck!

I like the hotel design. But as Axel said, it's a bit old-fashioned.

I have to agree. They are fucking terrible. So bad architecture. Hate this "ny-funkis"-style on buildings here in Sweden nowdays. :ohno:

I could have designed a hotel so much better, and I'm not even an architect.

Here you can see the sections:
http://www.campsweden.se/images/stories/Arenor/NyaNationalarenan/friends_arena.jpg

The prizes in the premier game against England will be between 500 SEK to 800 SEK.


The Swedish football federation has chosen section 102-104 to the place for the Swedish fans. Section 104 is supposed to be the place for the "singing" fans.:lol: But Camp Sweden want's to be in the center of the short side and has chosen section 101 to their place. Let's see how it evolves. I agree that the fans shouldn't be placed in the corner...

The good sections on the long sides will have a pricing of 800 SEK. :nuts:

how is the conversion €->SEK ?

how is the conversion €->SEK ?

1 € = approx 9 SEK

how is the conversion €->SEK ?
1 €=8.89 SEK

500 SEK=56.2 €

What a joke those prices are. I love football, but I would never pay 1500 kr just for tickets for me, my girlfriend and my kid for the worst seats in the arena, and it is obvious that they don't want real supporters in the stands. So why should I go? Without a passionate crowd I rather watch the game on TV.

I actually like the hotel design. But the residentials are just hoooorrible.

What a joke those prices are. I love football, but I would never pay 1500 kr just for tickets for me, my girlfriend and my kid for the worst seats in the arena, and it is obvious that they don't want real supporters in the stands. So why should I go? Without a passionate crowd I rather watch the game on TV.
I think the prices for children will be lower, but still, the prices will be a lot higher than Råsunda.

Of course they're trying to bring as many high income earners as possible to the games, since they can pay high ticket prices and food etc.

That's how football is today. Just look at Premier League.

What a joke those prices are. I love football, but I would never pay 1500 kr just for tickets for me, my girlfriend and my kid for the worst seats in the arena, and it is obvious that they don't want real supporters in the stands. So why should I go? Without a passionate crowd I rather watch the game on TV.

Legendary post. Thumbs up :)

And me who thought that they actually would maybe lower the prices just to
fill up the arena. How naive i was :ohno:

Indoor soccer stadium? Blasphemy!

Haha, what a joke! :lol:
500 SEK for a seat on the shortside!?

My fotball-premiere on this arena wont be the game between Sweden and England, for sure. Who the fuck would pay that much for a friendly game?

I really hope that the prices on AIKs games will be on the levels that they are right now. Since our management told us they´ve got a deal with the arena-company, that is much better that the one with Råsunda, I can´t see why they should put higher ticket-prices, since there´s no reason for it.
It would be madness and it would piss a lot of people off. Allsvenskan is ranked somewhere over 25 in Europe, and the fact that our ticket-prices is even close to the prices in Germany, is very crazy if you think about it. But since I love my club, I don't have any problem with paying for the price of my seasonticket. :)

Here's a better view of the sections:

http://pixholder.com/upload/1334787546.jpg

Some pics from two months ago:

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_3967-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_4004-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_4002-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_3997-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_2487-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_2522-redigera-width480.jpg

http://fotbollsupporter.se/scaled/bildgalleri/annat/visningarenan/img_3946-redigera-width480.jpg

the cladding enlightment will be fabulours :okay:

http://svenw.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/stockholmsflygning-181.jpg?w=500&h=335

The Estern-block wannabe environment ruins whole the class of the arena. :(

^^Don't know if I like to call it an eastern-block wannabe area, :ohno:
I think it looks just as suburbs to many larger European cities use to look like!

The Estern-block wannabe environment ruins whole the class of the arena. :(
Hehe, and a couple of more is coming right next to the arena. Five ugly looking commie block inspired residentals with the exact same heigh. :ohno:

Hehe, and a couple of more is coming right next to the arena. Five ugly looking commie block inspired residentals with the exact same heigh. :ohno:

Yeah, i know that project. The developers have to choose a very good facade to avoid just one another ny funkis addition to the area and the city. :)

^^Don't know if I like to call it an eastern-block wannabe area, :ohno:
I think it looks just as suburbs to many larger European cities use to look like!

Well, i know what you mean, yet in Sweden and Scandiavia (not mentioning the Baltic states) these kind of buildings seem to dominate. For the people, who come from the former Eastern block it is almost shocking to realise that there is almost no visible difference in suburban architecture in the very developed countries. :)

Well, i know what you mean, yet in Sweden and Scandiavia (not mentioning the Baltic states) these kind of buildings seem to dominate. For the people, who come from the former Eastern block it is almost shocking to realise that there is almost no visible difference in suburban architecture in the very developed countries. :)

True. :D

Well, i know what you mean, yet in Sweden and Scandiavia (not mentioning the Baltic states) these kind of buildings seem to dominate. For the people, who come from the former Eastern block it is almost shocking to realise that there is almost no visible difference in suburban architecture in the very developed countries. :)

I can say that i actually agree with you on this, something went wrong in the 50s-70s here in Scandinavia. They were only building large, unurban, "commie-inspired" blocks with no sense of architecture at all! :ohno:

:bash: :bash:

One thing is at least a little better here in Sweden (Scandinavia) then most of the former eastern block countries, there are often large villa and estate areas with many different kind of houses were the richer part of the people live in. Much better than "commie" areas in my opinion although it's not that urban! :)

To come back to the subject, the area around Swedbank "friends" arena really is developing. There are several new housing and development project ongoing in that area, which I think will do the area more modern and urban, there's also a little better view if you look in the opposite direction facing Sundbyberg etc. which are more dense!:cheers:

The tickets to the first game, the friendly against England were released today.

I don't think I will go, the prices are too high. I will bye tickets to the important qualifying games instead.

1) How do they plan to expose the pitch to sunlight?

Can they slide the pitch out like in the Schalke-Arena?

Or will they do it that way:

http://www.holidaycheck.de/data/urlaubsbilder/mittel/41/1160721121.jpg


2) Where will the train stop be? I cant spot any in the pics.

2) Where will the train stop be? I cant spot any in the pics.
Before there was "nothing" so there was no need for a station, but I suppose they are going to build one very close to arena.

EDIT: Looking at the renders, there seems to be no station planned...maybe it is not so far away from Solna Central Station...don't know the distances.

Before there was "nothing" so there was no need for a station, but I suppose they are going to build one very close to arena.

EDIT: Looking at the renders, there seems to be no station planned...maybe it is not so far away from Solna Central Station...don't know the distances.

There is a station there already. Previously the station just had one entrance towards the blue buildings you see in the picture, but they are now building a new entrance at the end closer to the arena.

http://i.imgur.com/OZ8T1.jpg (http://imgur.com/OZ8T1)
original image from www.swedbankarena.se

by soldyrkaren
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8234/60304587.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldyrkaren/6983115704/

New commercial for the arena can be seen here:

http://www.resume.se/nyheter/reklam/2012/05/04/de-stora-ogonlickens-arena/

New commercial for the arena can be seen here:

http://www.resume.se/nyheter/reklam/2012/05/04/de-stora-ogonlickens-arena/

Looked nice. U could get a glimpse of how it looked inside :cheers:

Here are some photos taken by Jojjesplejs

http://www.jojjesplejs.com/foto_tumbs.php?c=176

Looks awesome

Here are some photos taken by Jojjesplejs

http://www.jojjesplejs.com/foto_tumbs.php?c=176

Looks awesome
I don't like that it's so much orange color everywhere. I guess its chosen because it's the color of Swedbank, but still butt ugly.

Stockholms arenan all the way! :okay: In fact, i would really put more effort on that arena instead and made it with larger capacity. Swedbank arena is so so. :)

06 May by soldyrkaren
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3953/80781647.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldyrkaren/7166099998/

Moving pictures of the interior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw72hPLUxMg

Moving pictures of the interior.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw72hPLUxMg

Looks like old pictures from last year when AIK fans were invited to take a look at the stadium. Northern part of the roof isn't finished in the video.

Fresh photos:

http://i45.tinypic.com/33cx6xi.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/11lpsns.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/bfhvsw.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/20sta3l.jpg

All by Skumroffe. More to see here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50038223@N03/

or here:
http://stadiumdb.com/constructions/swe/swedbank_arena

Looks amazing!

I'm still worried about the ticket pricing tho. I doubt that the match against England will be sold out, and if the pricing continues to be that high in the World cup qualifier no game we'll see a half full arena next year. :(

Looks amazing!

I'm still worried about the ticket pricing tho. I doubt that the match against England will be sold out, and if the pricing continues to be that high in the World cup qualifier no game we'll see a half full arena next year. :(

Yes, you would think that they want to actually fill the stadium :P

Hey guys, havent been reading through the whole topic so apologizes if this has been answered before:). Since the stadium has a retractable roof, is there any chance that it will host any of the ice hockey games for the 2013 IIHF World Championship?

PS: Very nice looking stadium btw:-)

Hey guys, havent been reading through the whole topic so apologizes if this has been answered before:). Since the stadium has a retractable roof, is there any chance that it will host any of the ice hockey games for the 2013 IIHF World Championship?

PS: Very nice looking stadium btw:-)

No the stadium won't be used for hockey. Since we can't even fill the 13k Globen in this years WHC (well, we are in the group stage, but still!) I don't think we could fill 50k, heh. And the seats would be too far away the rink. But they will be playing bandy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy) there I think!

Hey guys, havent been reading through the whole topic so apologizes if this has been answered before:). Since the stadium has a retractable roof, is there any chance that it will host any of the ice hockey games for the 2013 IIHF World Championship?

PS: Very nice looking stadium btw:-)

I would support WHC in this stadium (much more than in Stockholmsarenan).

The stadium would fit a rink rotated 90 degrees combined with a temporary stand (like 2010 NCAA Frozen Four in Ford Field and some handball games in Veltins Arena). It is possible to setup a practice rink behind that stand.

There is a big interest of attending the WHC (both locally and from international fans) if ticket prices are suitable. (The last minute decision to lower the ticket prices in Globen mostly benefits people in the Stockholm region that can take a last minute decision to attend a game.)

If we(AIK) ever manage to advance to the finals in the highest hockeyleague, Elitserien, It would be a pretty nice thing to play those games on this arena. Put in a hockeyrink 90 degrees by the North stand, and put up a temporary stand on the South side of the rink. Would probably get a capacity of maybe 25 000. Perfect for our finals. :)

Veltins Arena managed to get 31000 into a handball game and Ford Field 38000 in such a setup, so 30000 should be realistic for a hockey game here. :)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/474852_234165980031797_200753976706331_409021_445850067_o.jpg

Indeed, the orange colour sucks..but the stadium is great :)

The floor will be orange aswell...

It will look very wierd.

The floor will be orange aswell...

It will look very wierd.
How do you know?

Yes, it is extremely ugly.

That orange color scream Sweden 1975 :wallbash:

Couldn't they have though about a nicer tone atleast?

Yes, i dont understand why they dont choose some nice yellow colour
instead of orange :ohno:

orange? :lol:

back to 70's :lol:

Hair musical comedy, hippies revolution !

The stadium is nice, I like that it's got a solid roof, 3 separate tiers which is kewl.

How much did it all cost?

The only bad thing is that from outside at the street level it looks like a prison.

A few thoughts: 1. Great looking stadium, but it would be horrible if they painted it all yellow/orange. 2. When will there be a name change of this thread?

How do you know?

Yes, it is extremely ugly.

Because i've been in contact with the arenamanagement.

Those pictures looks a wierd compared to the reality. It's deeper orange. Not so much yellow in it. And yes, I agree that it will not look so well.

Since the new name is "Friends Arena", maybe they want a friendly peace-theme on it. Would'nt surprise me at all.

I seem to be the only one not minding the orange, heh. At least it's not white, but I've would have liked light blue.

I'm just assuming the orange color relates to the graphical branding of Friends/Swedbank organizations. The pictures aren't very convincing but perhaps it will look better when the interiors are finished.

Overall, this arena is too.. heavy-looking. Perhaps, the construction looks like a monolythic monument and not a modern, beautiful and functional arena.

Here might be a taste of how the floor might look - a very early render:

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3330/swedbankarena4.jpg

If it will look like in the picture above it's not that bad. Still, the new official name is Friends arena, not Swedbank. Could any mod. please change it?

I don't know who came up with all this orange! Could it be because it was once ment to be called Swedbank Arena and it is orange in their name. I'm not sure I like it, but I'll save my real judgement untill I see pictures off it in place.

What is "Friends"?

What is "Friends"?

It's a non-profit organisation set out to stop bullying and such. They usually travel around schools, pre-schools and sports organisations to educate their teachers and students. They are very small according to my understanding - so their main sponsor Swedbank are sure giving them some free PR by doing this. It's of course good PR for Swedbank who seem like "good people" by giving up their name to Friends for the arena.

If you can read Swedish : www.friends.se :)

It's a non-profit organisation set out to stop bullying and such.

Pussyboy swedes :lol:.

Pussyboy swedes :lol:.

;)

The funny thing is that AIK (football club who'll be playing here) are infamous in Sweden for their rough fans. They pretty much have the most passionate fans + worst hooligans in Sweden, so they are not so happy being associated with Friends.

;)

The funny thing is that AIK (football club who'll be playing here) are infamous in Sweden for their rough fans. They pretty much have the most passionate fans + worst hooligans in Sweden, so they are not so happy being associated with Friends.

No, I don´t see it in that way. I actually feel sorry for the organization Friends, since their name is going to be dragged in mud if some of us shows a bad behaviour.

"Här dör fotbollen på Friends Arena"
"The football dies at Friends Arena" roughly translated to English.
A common quote from the Swedish newspapers is to say that "The football dies", if you wonder why they would write that. Swedish newspapers are idiots.

Hata alla!

Time for the monthly aerial!

April for comparison first:

http://www.friendsarena.se/images/flygbilder/2012april.jpg

May
http://www.friendsarena.se/images/flygbilder/2012maj.jpg

And I don't think they have painted the roof yellow, heh, it's just pollen! ;)


Source: http://www.friendsarena.se/bildbank

Hello Eurovision 2013

Hello Eurovision 2013
Yes! It will be amazing! :righton::cheers::drunk::dance2:

Yes! It will be amazing! :righton::cheers::drunk::dance2:

Congratulations! :banana: :cheers: I just love Sweden for many reasons..
The stadium will be an amazing host, for sure. :okay:

I heard,Swedbank Arena will host "Svenska Cupen" during Eurovision 2013. Is that true? So, maybe the Stockholm Arena will be the best place to organize eurovision in this case? :)

I heard,Swedbank Arena will host "Svenska Cupen" during Eurovision 2013. Is that true? So, maybe the Stockholm Arena will be the best place to organize eurovision in this case? :)

Svenska Cupen is planned to be played 23 or 26 May and Eurovision is planned 14, 16 and 18 May so I think it will be fine :)