10 year anniversary
10 year anniversary
2022, Sweden’s National Arena turning 10 years!
As one of the world’s largest multi-arenas, Friends Arena has through the years invited world artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Eminem to following the arena’s home teams in both win and loss.
First sod, 2009
On 7 December the first sod was taken by none other than the Swedish Crown Princess Victoria. The construction of Arenastaden and the arena then started.
The construction, 2009-2012
It took three years to build one of the world’s most modern multi-arenas in the Nordic region with a clear view from all places. The opneable roof consists of two roof tiles, 3,750 sqm each, which corresponds to six normal-sized villa gardens.
Behind the name, 2012
In March 2012 the arena got its name, Friends Arena, when Swedbank gave their naming rights to Friends Foundation as a part of their long-term collaboration. The arena has since functioned as a manifestation against bullying, and a symbol for the obvious: That no child should be exposed to bullying or discrimination.
Opening Ceremony, 2012
The arena was inaugurated on October 27. The royal couple, the Prime Minister and 50, 000 premiere-happy guests marched to the opening of the arena. The show “Svenska Ögonblick” (Swedish moments) was broadcasted live on SVT, directed by Colin Nutley and had over 1 700 000 viewers.
Bicycle kick goal, 2012
Sweden – England. The inaugural match on 14 November 2012, for the men’s national team against England ended with a thrilling 4-2 and Zlatan’s unforgettable bicycle kick goal in front of 49,967 spectators. A goal that was voted the most beautiful of the year in the yearly Fifa Puskás Award.
Swedish House Mafia, 2012
“We came, we raved, we loved”
On 23 November 2012 Swedish House Mafia saied goodbye as one of Sweden’s largest DJ groups with a huge party in the arena.
Bruce Springsteen, 2013
In May, one of the largest rock artists in the world tock over Friends Arena three times with a nearly three-hour long concert each time. Each concert was dedicated to one of his albums – Born to Run, Darkness and Born in the USA.
Melodifestivalen, 2013
Already in the arena’s first year, Melodifestival (Swedish Song Contest) moved in to stay. Since then, the Swedish music festival been in the arena nine times! In 2022, Cornelia Jakobs got to enthral the audience with the winning song “Hild Me Closer”
SIHS, 2014
2014 was the year the horses put their first hooves on the arena floor. Sweden International Horse Show is a yearly event with well-known horses and equestrians. For several days competitions, shows and fairs are offered.
AC/DC, 2015
With almost 50 years in the business, AC/DC visited the arena where the audience sang “Highway to Hell” together with the Australian rock’n’roll-gods.
Beyoncé, 2016
There’s only one Queen B – and she’s had time to blow the roof off Friends Arena twice: during her powerful concert from The Formation Tour 2016 and when she came back with her husband Jay-Z and their tour OTR II in 2018.
UEFA Europe-finale, 2017
For nearly two years, the huge football moment was planned, a milestone for Friends Arena and Sweden. About 48,000 football lovers from all over the world came to the arena on May 24 2017 to see Ajax and Manchester United to fight for the title.
The Arena’s children, 2018
Swedbank and the Friends Foundation had a unique work of art built at Friends Arena. The work consists of 25 bronze sculptures of children frozen in a moment of vulnerability. Just like the name of the aerna, the sculptures are an eternal reminder that no child should have to be exposed to abuse or bullying.
AIK-GIF SUNDSVALL, 2018
A new audience record for men’s football at Friends Arena was set when 51,128 supporters watched the big meeting on November 4, 2018. It was crazy pressure in the hunt for gold that AIK the secured in Allsvenskans final round against Kalmar FF. Friends Arena is also the team arena for AIK men soccer team since 2013.
Sweden-Germany, 2019
In front of a record-breaking home crowd at Friends Arena, the Swedish women’s national team played against Germany on April 6, 2019. The women broke a new audience record in women’s football with 25,882 spectators – and it feels in the air that the next record isn’t far away.
Avicii Tribute Concert, 2019
The evening when 58 163 people made a pilgrimage to Friends Arena to pay tribute to Avicii is spelled love. The concert got a new audience record for the arena and all proceeds from the evening went to the Tim Bergling Foundation’s work with mental illness.
In headwind, 2020
In year 2020 Live disappeard, but it was not the time to give up!
This year, the focus was on planning in detail how live would once again gild people’s lives. With motivation, commitment and fighting spirit, we can once again experience joy, excitement, tears and community in the arena.
Lady Gaga + Rolling Stones, 2022
Summer 2022 the arena was filled with large audiences with visitors who was thirsty for concerts. The evenings gave love, a sense of community and tears we’ve all been waiting for the last 2 years and showed that live is back!