Global architects HOK have been appointed to reimagine and modernize the Avicii Arena, formerly the Ericsson Globe, in Stockholm, Sweden.
The arena serves as Sweden’s national hockey arena, and the new design works will enhance its ability to host a variety of sports and entertainment events, creating a social destination and injecting new life into the area. The 605,000 cubic meters structure is the world’s largest spherical building.
“Avicii Arena is a significant and wonderful landmark in Stockholm and has a long and storied history as a premier destination for concerts, entertainment and hockey,” said John Rhodes, director of Sports + Entertainment at HOK. “We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Legends International and SGAF to infuse the arena with new offerings and energy that will elevate the spectator, athlete and performer experience.”
The venue, which opened in 1989, serves as Sweden’s national hockey arena and hosts diverse events and concerts. The project will ensure that the building remains a destination for major events while enhancing the fan and spectator experience and aiding SGAF in repositioning existing spaces to generate revenue.
“Avicii Arena is an iconic venue, which our team are privileged to be helping SGAF reimagine,” said Martin Jennings, managing director UK & head of global planning for Legends. “We have brought together a great combination of international design and project expertise, combined with local know-how, to help SGAF make Avicii Arena a landmark venue for live entertainment and top-tier ice hockey for years to come.”
“It has been a long and rewarding process, and we feel confident that we, together with our tenant Stockholm Live among others, have procured a very competent team in Legends International. We are looking forward to working up proposals for the Stockholm City Council and begin the development of Avicii Arena,“ said Mats Viker, CEO of SGAF.
In addition to HOK and Legends International, the project team includes schlaich bergermann partner (structural engineering), Ramboll (MEP engineering), Efterklang (acoustics), Light Bureau (lighting), AFRY (cost management) and Movement Strategies (crowd dynamics).
The team is in the process of developing a concept design and the business case for the project. When complete, the concept design will be presented to Stockholm City Council for review and approval.
