Sparbanken Lidköping Arena

In the heart of the sporting life of Lidköping lies the modern and multifunctional Lidköping Arena (also known as Sparbanken Lidköping Arena). Opened at the end of 2009, this complex has become a true pride of the Västergötland region and one of the largest indoor venues Sweden can offer for major events.

Lidköping Arena. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Designed by architects Bergfjord & Ivarsson, the building impresses with its versatility. Primarily, the arena is the home of bandy—a unique form of hockey with a ball that is incredibly popular in Nordic countries. Thanks to a modern artificial ice system and a well-designed roof, ideal conditions for athletes and fans are maintained year-round.

One of the facility's main features is its flexible capacity. While the stands accommodate up to 4,500 people during sports matches, the space is transformed for large-scale music concerts and shows, allowing for up to 12,500 spectators. This makes the arena a key spot on Sweden's cultural events map.

To check the event schedule or inquire about venue rentals, you can contact the facility management. The arena is managed by the Lidköping municipality.

The main draw for visitors here is undoubtedly bandy. You can witness exciting home matches of the decorated club Villa Lidköping BK or other local teams. The speed of the game on the massive ice field and the incredible energy from the stands make visiting the arena a must for sports enthusiasts.

If sports aren't your thing, the arena offers plenty of cultural entertainment. It regularly hosts rounds of Melodifestivalen—the famous national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest—alongside performances by world-class stars and grand musicals. The complex's spacious halls often serve as venues for major fairs, dog shows, and themed festivals like Bomssa Lidköping.

For active guests, public skating hours are organized on certain days, allowing anyone to take to the professional ice. The arena is a place where you can feel the pulse of city life, whether through the thunderous applause at a concert or the passionate cheers of fans during an international championship.

Finding this modern sports complex is easy: it is located at Mellbygatan 54, within walking distance of the city's central districts. If you are traveling through the Västergötland region by car, use the coordinates 58.4943351°N, 13.1433496°E. Ample parking is provided for guests at the Ågården complex.

For those who prefer public transport, Lidköping offers a convenient network of city buses that stop near the arena. The city is also connected by rail to other major centers in the country; from the station, you can quickly reach your destination by taxi or on foot while enjoying the views of the Swedish countryside.

The history of this ambitious project began on October 7, 2008, when the first stone of the future building was laid. The project was developed by the Bergfjord & Ivarsson architectural bureau, with a total construction cost of over 216 million Swedish kronor. The grand opening took place on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009, and was celebrated with a public skating event for all city residents.

The arena's sporting history began the very next day. The first official bandy match was held on December 26, 2009, between Villa Lidköping BK and IFK Kungälv. The event drew a full house, and the historic first assist on the new ice was made by the famous player Johan Esplund. Since then, the arena has become a true fortress for local clubs.

Over the years, the facility has repeatedly been the center of world attention. In 2025, it hosted the Bandy World Championships for both men and women, confirming the arena's status as one of Europe's top venues for ice sports. The attendance record was set in 2016, when 5,329 spectators came to support their favorite teams during a derby against IFK Vänersborg.

The duration of your visit will depend entirely on the chosen event. If you've come to cheer for your favorite team in a bandy match, plan to spend about 2–3 hours here. This is enough time to comfortably find your seat, enjoy the game, and soak up the atmosphere of Swedish sporting passion.

For major concerts, music festivals, or exhibitions, you'll typically need more time—anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Given the scale of events like the Melodifestivalen qualifying rounds, it's worth allowing extra time for entry control and exploring the facility's amenities.

The arena's operating hours depend directly on the schedule of planned events: matches, training sessions, or concerts. On days with major competitions, doors usually open for spectators 1–1.5 hours before the event starts.

Since there are no fixed visiting hours for tourists, we highly recommend checking the event calendar on the arena's official website or calling for information before your visit.

A stroll through the surrounding area after visiting the arena will allow you to better experience the cozy atmosphere of this Swedish city. Lidköping is famous for its hospitality and picturesque spots, located just a couple of kilometers from the sports complex.

You can head to the historic center to see the old square or visit local museums and restaurants to discover the culture and flavors of the region. Below is a list of interesting locations nearby: