NCC to renovate and modernise Avicii Arena

Stockholm Globe Arena, one of Sweden’s most visited event venues, was first inaugurated back in 1989. Two years ago, the iconic venue was renamed Avicii Arena, and is now set to undergo a major renovation and modernisation.

Mats Viker, CEO of Stockholm Globe Arena Fastigheter (SGAF), said:

For a number of years, and within the framework of Stockholm City Council’s decision, SGA Fastigheter has been working on identifying the optimal manner in which to wisely and responsibly upgrade the fantastic Avicii Arena, Globen, for the future.

We have engaged some of Europe’s foremost international consultants in designing the renovation and we are now welcoming NCC as a partner so that we can work closely in partnership to ensure that the iconic arena continues in its role as one of the world’s most fantastic arenas.

NCC’s assignment encompasses the renovation and modernisation of the arena space. The arena’s flexibility will be increased with the aim of creating a more intimate audience experience.

NCC will also build new gondola lounges and a new structure, a ring, above the arena’s equator. The ring structure will be utilised in the construction of a new rig and a structure for movable panels.

ALSD International 2023 is being hosted at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, October 9-10. Optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions is the key focus of this industry-leading event, with architecture & design, fan experience, hospitality, premium seating, sustainability and technology taking centre stage.

Henrik Landelius, Business Area Manager at NCC Building Sweden, said:

Updating a building of such uniqueness and complexity as the Avicii Arena must be carried out carefully, with respect for the building’s historic appearance, yet remaining focused on modern requirements and technology. We are very proud to return to this landmark that NCC has built and developed, and is now going to modernise.

Avicii Arena is one of Stockholm’s most well-known buildings. Stockholm City Museum has also given the building blue listed building status, which means that it is considered particularly valuable and has “extremely high cultural and historical value.” SGA Fastigheter and NCC have worked together with an international design team to safeguard these values.

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2025. The total order value is approximately SEK 700 million and will be registered in the NCC Building Sweden business area in the second quarter of 2023.

Arena reimagining

In March last year, premium experiences company Legends International was appointed to lead the reimagining of Avicii Arena.

Legends was appointed to deliver project management services, and to lead a team of experts in supporting SGAF, creating a concept design and contributing to the business case, with the focus on enhancing the fan and guest experience and additional revenue generation.

This team also included: HOK (architects), schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) (structures), Ramboll (engineering), Efterklang (acoustics), Light Bureau (lighting), AFRY (cost management) and Movement Strategies (crowd dynamics).

The arena, which first opened in 1989, was originally known as the Globe. Its last major refurb came in 2010, when the now iconic SkyView glass gondolas were added. The arena changed its name to Avicii Arena in 2021.

The arena is operated by ASM Global-affiliated Stockholm Live.