Nordic construction company NCC has been selected to renovate and modernise Stockholm’s Avicii Arena, with the contract worth around SEK700m (£51m/€59m/$65m).
NCC built the venue, which opened in 1989 as the Stockholm Globe Arena. The arena became the Ericsson Globe in 2009 before being rebranded as Avicii Arena in May 2021 to honour the late producer and recording artist.
Stockholm Globe Arena Fastigheter (SGAF), the city-run company which owns the facility, has awarded NCC a turnkey contract to renovate the arena.
The project will encompass the renovation and modernisation of the arena space. The venue’s flexibility will be increased with the aim of creating a more intimate experience for eventgoers.
NCC will also build new gondola lounges and a new ring structure above the arena’s ‘equator’. The ring structure will be utilised in the construction of a new rig and a structure for movable panels.
Avicii Arena is the world’s largest spherical building and represents the Sun in the Sweden Solar System, a scale model of the planetary system with locations across the country.
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 (structures), Ramboll (engineering), Efterklang (acoustics), Light Bureau (lighting), AFRY (cost management) and Movement Strategies (crowd dynamics).
Mats Viker, chief executive of 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.”
Henrik Landelius, business area manager at NCC Building Sweden, added: “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.”
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2025.
In April, the NHL confirmed plans for regular-season games to return to Avicii Arena later this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Four regular-season games will take place from November 16-19.
