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Strawberry Arena
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  • AIK crest

Stockholm, Sweden, Stadium

Strawberry Arena

Sweden's national stadium with a roof that closes over the biggest tours

Strawberry Arena, called Friends Arena until 2024, is Sweden's national stadium in Solna, just north of central Stockholm. Its roof can close in minutes, so concerts and football go ahead in any weather, and it hosts the biggest tours that come to the Nordics.

Capacity
50,000
Opened
2012
Architect
Berg | C.F. Møller Architects
Home of
AIK and the Sweden national team

Getting there

Råsta Strandväg 1, 169 79 Solna

NavigateOpen in Google Maps

Departures

  • Pendeltåg to Solna stationCommuter trains from Stockholm City, about 6 minutes. The arena is a 5-minute walk from the station.
  • Tvärbanan tram to Solna stationThe light rail stops at the same station, useful if you're coming from the west of Stockholm.
  • Blue metro line to Solna centrumThen walk about 15 minutes. A good alternative when the commuter trains are full.

After the show

Extra commuter trains run after big events, but the queues at Solna station are long. Walk 15 minutes to Solna centrum for the metro, or wait in Mall of Scandinavia until the crowds clear.

Bags and entry

Bags larger than A4 are not allowed. There's a paid bag storage near the arena on concert days.

  • Power bank

    Small power banks are usually allowed. Charge it before you go, mobile data gets slow with a full crowd.

  • Umbrella

    Umbrellas aren't allowed inside. With the roof closed, you won't need one.

  • Paying inside

    Sweden is almost cashless. Bring a card or phone wallet, cash is not accepted inside.

On the day

When the gates open

Gates usually open about 90 minutes before kick-off and 2 to 3 hours before a concert. Mall of Scandinavia next door is the easiest place to wait.

Eat and drink before

  • Mall of Scandinavia

    A huge shopping centre right next to the arena with a big food court and restaurants.

  • Arenastaden

    The new district around the arena with bars and burger places that fill up before events.

  • Central Stockholm

    Eat in Norrmalm or Vasastan first, then take the 6-minute train to Solna.

Home club

AIK crest

AIK

Gnaget

Founded
1891
Plays here since
2012

AIK was founded in central Stockholm in 1891 and is one of Sweden's biggest clubs. It moved here from the old Råsunda stadium next door, and its black and yellow fans make some of the loudest atmospheres in Scandinavia.

Biggest honours

  • Twelve Swedish league titles, the last in 2018
  • Eight Swedish Cups
  • Champions League group stage in 1999-2000

Seating layout

Capacity: About 50,000 for football and up to 65,000 for concerts123StageFloor

Tap a tier or the floor to see what it is like

Pitch / stage

Pitch / floor

Tier by tier

  1. 1

    Lower tier

    Close to the pitch on all four sides, with a steep rake for a good view.

  2. 2

    Middle tier

    Hospitality boxes and lounges on the long sides.

  3. 3

    Upper tier

    Steep and high, right under the roof, with a full view of the stage and screens.

Seating tips

  • For concerts the stage is usually at the north end, so the south stand faces it head-on.
  • The long sides give the best view for football and a good side view for concerts.
  • With the roof closed, sound in the upper tier is clear and it stays warm even in cold weather.

Where to sit

  • Best for a concert

    South stand, lower or middle tier

    Faces the stage head-on with a full view of the screens and the light show.

  • Best for football

    Long sides near halfway

    The classic side-on view, close to the pitch with a steep rake.

  • On a budget

    Upper tier behind the goal

    Usually the cheapest seats, high up but with a clear view of the whole arena.

  • In the shade

    Any seat with the roof closed

    When the roof is closed, every seat is indoors and dry. With it open, the upper tier is best covered.

Tap a year or let the story play

History

Strawberry Arena, 2012Strawberry Arena, 2012Strawberry Arena, 2012Strawberry Arena, 2012Strawberry Arena, 2012

01 / 05

2012

The arena opens and Zlatan scores four against England

Read the full story

The arena was built to replace the old Råsunda stadium, which hosted the 1958 World Cup final. It opened in October 2012 with Sweden against England, a night remembered for Zlatan Ibrahimović's four goals, including a bicycle kick from 30 metres.

A year later it hosted the women's Euro final, and in 2017 the Europa League final, when Manchester United beat Ajax after a minute's silence for the victims of the Manchester attack.

The arena is now Stockholm's main stage for the biggest stadium tours. Beyoncé opened her Renaissance world tour here in 2023, and in 2024, the year it was renamed Strawberry Arena, Taylor Swift played three sold-out nights of the Eras Tour.

Legendary nights

Admit one

Strawberry Arena

2012

Zlatan's bicycle kick

In the very first game Zlatan Ibrahimović scored all four Swedish goals, the last an overhead kick from 30 metres that won FIFA's goal of the year.

Admit one

Strawberry Arena

2017

A final for Manchester

Two days after the Manchester Arena attack, United beat Ajax 2-0 and dedicated the trophy to their city.

Admit one

Strawberry Arena

2023

Renaissance begins

Beyoncé chose Stockholm for the world premiere of her Renaissance tour, with fans flying in from all over the world.

Admit one

Strawberry Arena

2024

Eras in Stockholm

Taylor Swift played three sold-out nights, and the whole city turned into a festival of glitter and friendship bracelets.

Questions fans ask

Is Strawberry Arena the same as Friends Arena?

Yes. The national stadium in Solna was called Friends Arena from 2012 and was renamed Strawberry Arena in 2024.

How do I get to Strawberry Arena?

Take a commuter train from Stockholm City to Solna station, about 6 minutes, then walk 5 minutes.

Does the roof close for concerts?

Usually yes. The retractable roof is often closed for concerts, so the show goes ahead whatever the weather.

When do the gates open?

Usually about 90 minutes before kick-off and 2 to 3 hours before a concert. Check your ticket for the exact time.

Did you know?

01 / 04

The retractable roof closes in about 20 minutes, so the arena can host concerts and football all year round.

Where to stay nearby

Norrmalm

Central Stockholm by the main station, with direct commuter trains to Solna in 6 minutes.

4-star+ hotels, cheapest first(Booking.com)

Vasastan

Calm residential area with cafés and restaurants, close to the blue metro line.

4-star+ hotels, cheapest first(Booking.com)

Solna

Hotels right next to the arena and Mall of Scandinavia, the easiest walk home.

4-star+ hotels, cheapest first(Booking.com)
Stockholm

Planning the whole trip?

Read our Stockholm guide: where to stay, getting around, food and local tips.

Open the Stockholm guide

Upcoming events at Strawberry Arena

Live from Ticketmaster, with full trip prices.