Globen (Ericsson Globe)

Globen (Ericsson Globe)
Name	Ericsson Globe
Native name	Ericsson Globe
Location	Stockholm
Coordinates	59.2773°N 18.0176°E
Opened	1989
Owner	Svenska Mässan
Architect	Svante Berg
Capacity	16,000
Type	Indoor arena

Globen (Ericsson Globe) Globen (commonly known as the Ericsson Globe) is a large multi-purpose indoor arena located in Stockholm, Sweden. The venue is notable for its distinctive spherical exterior and role as a focal point for ice hockey, concerts, ice shows, and international gatherings such as the Melodifestivalen and events tied to the IIHF World Championship. Situated in the borough of Johanneshov, the arena functions as a landmark within the Stockholm Globe City complex and has hosted performers and organizations from across Europe, North America, and beyond.

History

Construction of the arena began in the late 1980s as part of urban redevelopment initiatives associated with the 1989 opening of the structure, timed near the end of the decade that saw major venue projects across Scandinavia and Western Europe. The Globe quickly became a central venue for the Swedish Hockey League and helped attract events from international bodies like the International Ice Hockey Federation and cultural productions tied to Nordic music festivals. Over the years the arena has been associated with major tours by artists signed to labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group, as well as sporting federations including the European Handball Federation and the International Skating Union. The site has also been featured in city planning discussions involving agencies such as Stockholm Municipality and development entities like Arenabolaget.

Architecture and design

Designed with a striking spherical form, the arena's exterior is a prominent example of late 20th-century venue architecture influenced by large-span structures seen in facilities such as the Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena. The Globe's geometry was engineered to accommodate acoustic and sightline requirements comparable to those used in the design of facilities by firms that worked with clients like HOK, Populous, and Foster + Partners during the same era. Its external cladding and internal bowl arrangement facilitate flexible configurations used for concert tours and ice hockey matches alike. The adjacent landmark cable car attraction, which offers panoramic views over Stockholm and references aerial transport installations similar to those in London and Barcelona, contributes to the ensemble of public-facing architectural elements. The venue's silhouette functions as an urban signifier within the same civic visual language as City Hall, Stockholm and the Royal Palace.

Capacity and facilities

The arena's maximum capacity varies by event type, reaching roughly 16,000 for concerts and approximately 13,850 for ice hockey fixtures under configurations that mirror capacities seen in arenas like Scotiabank Arena and Mercedes-Benz Arena. Facilities include VIP suites and corporate hospitality spaces used by sponsors from multinational corporations such as Ericsson, which has held naming rights, alongside service providers comparable to Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Backstage areas meet touring production standards established by major promoters and technical suppliers like PRG and Meyer Sound. Audience amenities include multiple concession areas, merchandise outlets, and locker rooms meeting federation requirements for teams participating in competitions run by entities such as the National Hockey League when hosting exhibition matches.

Events and tenants

The arena has been home to tenants and recurring events spanning professional ice hockey clubs associated with the Swedish Hockey League and frequent host duties for the annual Melodifestivalen national final selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. It has staged world tours by global artists linked to labels such as EMI Records and presented theatrical ice productions similar to those organized by Disney on Ice and touring ensembles associated with producers like Cirque du Soleil. The venue has also accommodated international sporting events overseen by organizations including the International Olympic Committee for exhibition purposes, the International Ice Hockey Federation for world championship matches, and the European Broadcasting Union in relation to televised galas and broadcasts.

Renovations and upgrades

Since opening, the arena has undergone phased renovations to modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and upgrade technical systems in line with standards promoted by bodies such as the European Union accessibility directives and industry associations like the International Association of Venue Managers. Upgrades have included improvements to seating, acoustics, and lighting systems supplied by manufacturers akin to Philips and Osram, as well as enhancements to digital display and scoreboard technology comparable to suppliers used in arenas across North America and Europe. Naming-rights agreements with multinational corporations have underwritten portions of refurbishment programs similar to deals struck by venues sponsored by PepsiCo and AXA.

Transportation and access

The arena is served by an integrated public-transport network anchored by the Stockholm Metro with the nearby Globen station on the Green line, as well as regional rail links provided by the Stockholm commuter rail system. Road access connects to arterial routes such as the E4 motorway, and drop-off facilities accommodate coaches and private vehicles similar to logistical arrangements at major venues like Wembley Stadium and Allianz Arena. Passenger wayfinding, bicycle parking, and connections to Stockholm Arlanda Airport via rapid transit and intercity services facilitate national and international visitor flows, aligning with mobility planning practiced by agencies like Storstockholms Lokaltrafik and regional transport authorities.

Category:Indoor arenas in Stockholm