Strawberry Arena (Friends Arena)

The construction of a new national stadium addressed a longstanding gap -- Sweden lacked a modern large-capacity venue meeting 21st-century standards for elite football and international events.

Predecessor: Rasunda

Strawberry Arena replaced the historic Rasunda Stadium, also in Solna, which had served as Sweden's national ground since 1937 with a capacity of around 37,000 spectators. Rasunda hosted the 1958 FIFA World Cup Final -- Sweden's greatest footballing occasion, a 2-5 defeat to Brazil. Following the opening of Nationalarenan, Rasunda was demolished in 2013.

Construction and opening

The stadium was designed by Populous, specialists in large-scale sports architecture. Construction ran from 2009 to 2012, and the venue officially opened on 27 October 2012 with a Swedish national team match. Its defining feature is the retractable roof, which shields spectators from Scandinavia's harsh autumn and winter conditions.

Significant moments

The stadium hosted the 2023 UEFA Europa League Final, won by Sevilla on penalties against AS Roma -- the club's record seventh Europa League title. It also staged group-stage matches at UEFA Women's EURO 2022 and numerous Swedish national team World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.

Strawberry Arena generates an atmosphere that reflects Scandinavian football culture -- organised, musically driven, and capable of real intensity on major occasions.

Fan culture

Sweden national team matches fill the arena with a sea of blue and yellow. The chant Sverige, Sverige echoes throughout the bowl alongside the spontaneous singing characteristic of Swedish supporter culture. AIK Fotboll's fanbase is among the most organised in Swedish football -- their end produces coordinated choreographies, banners, and sustained chanting throughout matches. When the retractable roof is closed on cold evenings it concentrates noise effectively, amplifying the atmosphere considerably.

Big matches

The 2023 UEFA Europa League Final is the stadium's defining moment -- Sevilla defeated AS Roma on penalties in Stockholm to claim their record seventh European title. Sweden national team qualifying campaigns for major tournaments fill all 50,000 seats with a passionate crowd and draw supporters from across the Nordic region. Group-stage matches at UEFA Women's EURO 2022 further raised the venue's international profile within European football.

Strawberry Arena is easy to reach thanks to its position within the Stockholm metropolitan area and the city's efficient public transport network.

How to get there

• Metro (T-bana): Red line T11, station Solna centrum -- approximately 10 minutes' walk to the stadium
• Commuter rail (Pendeltag): Station Solna station -- direct service from Stockholm Central in around 10 minutes
• Car: Motorway E4, exit Solna; parking is available nearby but fills quickly on matchdays; public transport is strongly recommended
• Cycling: Cycle paths and city bike-share schemes are available in the area

Tickets and tours

Sweden national team match tickets are sold through Svenska Fotbollförbundet (SVFF). AIK Fotboll club fixtures are available via the club's official website. High-demand matches sell out in advance. The stadium offers guided tours for both individuals and groups.

Visitor tips

• Weather: The retractable roof provides shelter from rain but not warmth -- layer up for autumn and winter fixtures
• When to arrive: At least 45-60 minutes before kick-off
• Food: Concourse kiosks offer classic Swedish snacks; the Solna Centrum shopping area nearby provides a wide range of restaurants and cafes