Avicii Arena

The Avicii Arena, formerly known as the Ericsson Globe and Stockholm Globe Arena, is an iconic structure in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. It is not just a sports arena but a true architectural marvel, being the largest spherical building on the planet. Its impressive diameter is 110 meters, and its internal height reaches 85 meters. The arena serves as a multi-purpose venue for a wide variety of events: from thrilling sports competitions to grand concerts by world stars and other cultural events.

One of the most remarkable features of the Avicii Arena is its symbolic significance. It represents the Sun in the Sweden Solar System—the world's largest scale model of our solar system, with objects scattered throughout the country. Thanks to its unique shape and conceptual role, the arena quickly became one of Stockholm's most recognizable and photographed landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the world.

In 2021, the arena received its current name in memory of the world-famous Swedish DJ Tim Bergling, who performed under the stage name Avicii. This event highlighted the venue's cultural importance to modern Sweden. In 2025, the Avicii Arena underwent a major renovation. During the works, a modern retractable roof was installed, spectator seating was updated, and acoustic systems and technical equipment were significantly improved, allowing for events to be held at an even higher standard.

For the most up-to-date information regarding upcoming events, ticket purchases, and contact details for the Avicii Arena, we recommend visiting the attraction's official website. Useful information can also frequently be found on Stockholm tourism portals or by contacting local tourist information centers upon arrival in the city.

Visitors to the Avicii Arena can enjoy a wide range of activities. Primarily, it is the home venue for ice hockey matches, as the arena was originally built specifically for this sport. Additionally, it regularly hosts concerts by international stars and famous musical groups. For example, following the renovation, a landmark performance by the Swedish band Kite took place on the ice on February 1, 2025, which was a unique event.

Thanks to the recent renovation completed in 2025, the experience of attending events at the Avicii Arena has become even more vibrant. Seating was updated, and new tiers and comfortable lounge areas were added. A modern acoustic system with retractable panels ensures superior sound quality, which is especially important for concerts and shows.

Beyond the events themselves, tourists can simply admire the unique architecture of this structure. The Avicii Arena is recognized as the world's largest spherical building, which in itself makes it a standout attraction in Stockholm. Thus, the arena attracts not only sports and music fans but also enthusiasts of modern architecture.

Getting to the Avicii Arena in Stockholm is quite simple, thanks to the city's well-developed public transportation system. The arena is located in the Johanneshov district, south of the central part of the Swedish capital, and is a prominent landmark that is hard to miss.

The most convenient and popular way to reach the Avicii Arena is by using the Stockholm metro (Tunnelbana). The Green line (for example, T19 towards Hagsätra) will take you directly to the Globen station, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the arena. The metro exit leads almost directly to the building complex containing the arena, so it is difficult to get lost. A metro ride from the central station (T-Centralen) usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

In addition to the metro, the Avicii Arena can be reached by the Tvärbanan tram (Line 30), which also stops at Globen. Several bus routes also pass nearby, but the metro and tram are generally the most direct options. For those who prefer private transport, taxis and popular ride-sharing apps are always available. A taxi ride from central Stockholm to the arena takes approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Before your trip, especially if you plan to attend a major event, it is recommended to check the official Avicii Arena website or the Stockholm public transport (SL) website for the latest schedule information, potential route changes, and special transport solutions that may be organized on concert or match days. This will help you plan your journey most efficiently and without unnecessary hassle.

The history of the Avicii Arena, this architectural symbol of Stockholm, began in 1985. That year, city authorities announced a competition for the best design for a new stadium, and architect Svante Berg’s concept emerged victorious. His project included not only the arena itself, then known as the "Stockholm Globe Arena," but also the entire adjacent Globen City district. In the same year, an impressive scale model of the future spherical giant was created, which would eventually become the largest building of its shape in the world.

Construction of this grand structure began in the fall of 1986, with the official groundbreaking ceremony taking place on September 10th. Work progressed rapidly: by April 1987, a quarter of the steel frame was erected, and by June, half was complete. By September of that year, the unique spherical dome began to take shape, and by November, lighting installation was underway with the dome nearly finished. The arena was fully completed in 1988, and its grand opening took place on February 19, 1989, coinciding with the start of the World Ice Hockey Championship, which was successfully held at the new venue.

Throughout its operation, the Avicii Arena has frequently been at the center of iconic events and has undergone various changes. Originally named "Stockholm Globe Arena" and later "Ericsson Globe," it received its current name on May 19, 2021. This renaming to Avicii Arena served as a tribute to the famous Swedish DJ Tim Bergling (Avicii) and was a significant cultural moment for Sweden. A major milestone in its recent history was a large-scale renovation in 2025, which included the installation of a modern retractable roof with acoustic panels, upgraded spectator seating, and improved technical equipment. The first event marking the reopening of the renovated arena was a concert by the Swedish band Kite on February 1, 2025.

When planning a visit to the Avicii Arena, keep in mind that the time required will largely depend on the purpose of your visit. If you are attending a concert, sporting event, or other performance, set aside a significant part of your day or evening. If your interest is primarily architectural and you simply want to see this unique spherical building from the outside, much less time will be needed.

For a full experience at an event at the Avicii Arena, whether it's a hockey game or a concert by a global star, it is recommended to allocate at least 3-5 hours. This timeframe includes not only the duration of the event itself (usually 2-3 hours) but also time for security checks, finding your seats, potential queues for the cloakroom or refreshments, and exiting the arena afterward. On major event days, it is wise to arrive early to avoid rushing and to find your way around comfortably.

If you just want to see the Avicii Arena as one of Stockholm's prominent landmarks, take photos, and perhaps ride the SkyView observation gondola (if it is operating and part of your plans), this could take about 1-2 hours. This should be enough time to appreciate the scale of the famous spherical structure and capture some memorable shots. Keep in mind that access inside the arena outside of event days is usually limited or only possible through organized tours, if offered.

The operating hours of the Avicii Arena depend directly on the schedule of events—concerts, sports matches, and other functions. The arena does not operate on a standard schedule like a museum or a typical attraction. To attend a specific event, you should check its start time and duration in advance. Information about event start times, as well as the availability of tours (if any are offered), is best found on the official Avicii Arena website or ticket sales sites.

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets for concerts and sporting events well in advance, especially for performances by popular artists or important matches, as they can sell out quickly. The Avicii Arena hosts events year-round, but indoor access for sightseeing outside of event days is usually not provided unless special tours are organized. Always check official resources for current information before planning your visit.

Visiting such an iconic venue as the Avicii Arena is a highlight in itself. However, to make your trip to Stockholm even more fulfilling and memorable, it is worth spending some time exploring the area surrounding the arena. Located near this modern architectural wonder are many other interesting sites that allow for a deeper immersion into the city's atmosphere and its many facets.

Exploring nearby attractions will not only broaden your horizons but also allow you to plan your time efficiently, especially if your stay is short. From nightclubs and restaurants to museums and historic squares, the area around the Avicii Arena offers diverse leisure options for every taste. Below is a list of several interesting places located nearby, along with their distance from the arena.