Friends Arena

The Friends Arena is Sweden's recently opened new national stadium. It superseded the old Råsunda Fotbollstadion.

Plans initially aimed to rebuilt Råsunda into a contemporary stadium, but this soon turned out not to be viable and instead was chosen to build a new arena altogether.

The proposed new arena went first by the sponsor name of Swedbank Arena, but in 2012 sponsor Swedbank decided to rename the ground to Friends Arena after a charity.

Work on the ground started in May 2009, and the Friends Arena was formally inaugurated on 27 October 2012 with a concert night of Swedish artists.

The first football match at the ground was played on 14 November 2012 when the Swedish national side took on England.

The Friends Arena has become the home of local side AIK from the start of the 2013 season. In a referendum, the club's fans chose the arena over the Tele2 Arena.

The ground has been selected to host the 2017 Europa League final, though missed out on the Euro 2020 Championships.

The Friends Arena is a multifunctional arena that can be without difficulty adapted in size and hosts multiple concerts and other large events every year. It in addition has a retractable roof that can be opened and closed in 20 minutes.

The Friends Arena is situated in Solna, a suburb of Stockholm situated about 5 kilometres north of its downtown area and central railway station. The ground lies in a predominantly residential neighbourhood, just north of the old Råsunda Fotbollstadion.

If arriving by car from the E4/E20, take exit 167 toward Solna/Sundbyberg and follow the Frösundaleden toward Solna Centrum. Turn right directly after the railway station. While construction works on the adjacent shopping centre and hotels continue, there is limited parking available close to the Friends Arena.

If using public transit, the easiest way to reach the ground is by train as Solna station is situated almost next to the arena. Trains run regularly from Stockholm's central station (T-Centralen). The journey only takes 7 minutes.

Metro stations Solna Centrum and Näckrosen also lie at reasonable a short walk from the ground. Take line T11 from Stockholm's central station.

Address: Friends Arena, Solna

The Friends Arena is situated in a spot of new developments including a large shopping centre, hotels, and residential buildings, surrounded by quiet residential neighbourhoods, railway tracks, and some light industry.

The adjacent Mall of Scandinavia shopping centre offers a a significant number of dining and drinks options. Solna's small downtown area it located an approximate 20-minute walk away, but is of little interest, and Stockholm's vibrant downtown area is only a quick train away.

The large and contemporary Quality Hotel Friends is situated right next to the Friends Arena and is the best option if you want to stay close to the ground. Park Inn Hotel and Maude's Hotel are alternatives situated in Solna's centre and thus also at a short walk.

The Ibis Styles Jarva, Scandic Järva Krog, and fancy Winery Hotel are close to the E4 and as a result conveniently located for those arriving by car. They are also only 15 to 20 minutes on footing away from the Friends Arena.

Use the linked guides To browse hotels close to the Friends Arena. It is, although, just as easy to get a hotel in Stockholm's downtown area as the train ride does not take long. Use the linked guides for more options in the centre.

Admission for AIK matches are sold online via Ticnet, or at the ticket office of the Friends Arena. Tickets can also be bought at the ground from 2 hours before the start of the match.

Ticket prices range from SEK 150.00 for a third-tier seat behind the goal to SEK 450.00 for a central seat at the first tier. Admission for the derbies cost SEK 50.00 to SEK 100.00 more.