[PGN]

When (approximately) will the Allsvenskan and Superettan fixtures for 2008 be published ?

Late january/early february.

[Den Haag]

Thanks PGN !

[PGN]

When (approximately) will the Allsvenskan and Superettan fixtures for 2008 be published ?

The fixtures for 2008 were published today (one month earlier than last year!):

Allsvenskan 2008
Superettan 2008

There will be matches played almost every day until the EURO break and there are plenty of chances of getting three/four matches in three/four days without doing too much travel. One example:
Thu 24/4 GAIS-Gefle
Fri 25/4 Ljungskile-Göteborg
Sat 26/4 Häcken-Enköping
Sun 27/4 Qviding-Ängelholm
Maybe not the best of matches, except Ljungskile-Göteborg of course, but you don´t have to do much travel!

[nobelhopper]

May 4th - May 12th looks promising.

[Beautiful Game]

Not sure if it has been mentioned in this thread or not but Gefle are going to redevelop Strömvallen, they announced their plans already back in November. The article in Swedish can be found at http://www.gefleiffo...r.php?nyhet=179 and a few pictures at http://www.gefleiffo...p?galleri_id=51

As PGN noted earlier in the topic, the main stand at Strömvallen can't be redeveloped. I'm too young to say that it reminds of "old times" but it certainly brings to mind older English football stands. Wooden benches (not even individual seats) and awfully little space.



I was supposed to start my football season with IFK Norrköping–Djurgården on March 30th but by the looks of it I won't be in Sweden then... Would have been perfect season opener, Norrköping have student discount to the (uncovered) end next to the away fans and if the DIF fans are anywhere as noisy as against Gefle last autumn, well..do I need to say more...

Would like to get more stadiums off my list but student budget hardly makes it any easier. Have already been to Råsunda but maybe I'll have to start with the derby between Bajen and Gnaget on April 14th. Hopefully can find a decent train connection from Solna after the match, though (10'ish in the evening?). I wish I would have had the chance to visit Arosvallen in Västerås before season 2007 ended, they're going to play their home matches at Swedbank Arena (stupid confusing sponsor names) as of 2008...

I was aiming for a few matches in Gothenburg for mid-April but no can do if I'm still going to have money to travel to Germany... Valhalla IP and Rambergsvallen off the list before Nya Gamla Whatever Ullevi will be completed would have been nice.

[Beautiful Game]

http://www.expressen.se/1.1049678

Urgh, the page behind the link is full of very annoying Flash ads. Anyway, according to that Expressen article it looks as if the Swedish FA are now more favourable towards selling the naming rights of Allsvenskan. In the article Lars-Åke Lagrell of the Swedish FA (whether he's the chairman or not, I have no idea) uses the argument that in the neighboring countries Norway and Sweden the football league has been sponsored for a long time already and perhaps there's no need to consider the name Allsvenskan as eh, holy, any more.

In connection with the article the boss for Svenska Spel (which I guess is the national betting company in Sweden) states they would as the main sponsor of the league be interested to become the name sponsors as well. In the Svenska Dagbladet news item which referred to the article in Expressen an estimated value of 25 million kronor (2.68m EUR/2m GBP) was given for the naming rights.

[Den Haag]

I`m in Stockholm for 1 weekend in June, so do I go to Brommapojkarna v Limhamn or Assyriska v Mjaellby ? Attendances, atmosphere etc. ?

Have Brommapojkarna finished their ground yet ?

And do any non-Arabs follow Assyriska ?

[PGN]

I`m in Stockholm for 1 weekend in June, so do I go to Brommapojkarna v Limhamn or Assyriska v Mjaellby ? Attendances, atmosphere etc. ?

Assyriska-Mjällby would be my choice. I expect an attendance of around 2,000-2,500 for that match and for being in Superettan the atmosphere will be OK. Bunkeflo/Limhamn have about 0 away fans. Mjällby will have some fans, not many but some.

Have Brommapojkarna finished their ground yet ?

Yes, the first match was in July last year

And do any non-Arabs follow Assyriska ?

Assyriska have good local support and although most of them are Assyrians (but I don´t think Assyrians are arabs?) there will be some non-assyrians at the game.

I plan to visit Assyriska on the 28th June myself (against favourites Landskrona) and Enköping two days later. Unless Sweden reach the Euro 2008 final that is...

[PGN]

A video from Malmö and Swedbank Stadion. Work is progressing well and the stadium should be ready in time (March 2009)
Video, Swedbank Stadion
Info about the ground: Swedbank Stadion, Malmö

* In Gothenburg work is progressing according to the timetable as well and the rebuilt Gamla Ullevi should be ready later this year: Rebuilding of Gamla Ullevi

* In Kalmar work has still not started due to funding problems meaning Kalmar FF will play at least two more seasons at Fredriksskans.


There are some stadiums being built in Division 1 North (Level 3) as well:

* Boden will have a new stadium (5,000 seats and FIFA 2-star) ready in June this year. Boden is in the very north of Sweden (and about 1,500 km from where I live) and the pitch will be artificial. Björknäsvallen, Boden

* Västerås SK are building a new stadium as well (Swedbank Arena...) and will have a capacity of 7,000. It will be ready during 2008. Swedbank Arena, Västerås. Picture of the stands

* Östersund had a new stadium ready last summer and the first match was played against Swansea. 5,000 seats (and some terracing) and an artificial pitch but Östersund is in the north as well, close to ski resort Åre. Jämtkraft Arena, Östersund

[nobelhopper]

* Västerås SK are building a new stadium as well (Swedbank Arena...) and will have a capacity of 7,000. It will be ready during 2008. Swedbank Arena, Västerås.

when exactly???

[PGN]

* Västerås SK are building a new stadium as well (Swedbank Arena...) and will have a capacity of 7,000. It will be ready during 2008. Swedbank Arena, Västerås.

when exactly???

26th April (Västerås - Umeå)

[nobelhopper]

* Västerås SK are building a new stadium as well (Swedbank Arena...) and will have a capacity of 7,000. It will be ready during 2008. Swedbank Arena, Västerås.

when exactly???

26th April (Västerås - Umeå)

so the last match at Arosvallen is already done...?

[PGN]

* Västerås SK are building a new stadium as well (Swedbank Arena...) and will have a capacity of 7,000. It will be ready during 2008. Swedbank Arena, Västerås.

when exactly???

26th April (Västerås - Umeå)

so the last match at Arosvallen is already done...?

So it seems!

(For those who don´t know: Arosvallen hosted some matches in the 1958 World Cup)

[Beautiful Game]

so the last match at Arosvallen is already done...?

My exact feelings there when last November I heard about the stadium move...

I'd really wish the project would be at least a month or so late. Would have a chance to visit Arosvallen, then. Does anyone know how to delay work on finishing a stadium?

The Västerås SK website isn't very helpful in this matter. The only information they have is a picture of the main stand in the top banner at http://www.vskfotboll.nu/ plus the capacity information on the Arena page (http://www.vskfotboll.nu/index.php?fot=mer&boll=are).

Edit: Found a VSK fans' discussion board. The new stadium will be ready for the Division I "hemmapremiär". Possibly free entrance, too: http://www.vskforum....3...c&start=780 and http://www.vlt.se/ar...?version=699751
Such a shame.

Edit 2: Some pictures outside the stadium in the same thread: http://www.vskforum....3...c&start=814 -- so Swedbank Arena Västerås is going to be a mix of Bloomfield Road/Kassam Stadium, just two side stands, eh?

[Zebedee]

Does anyone know how to delay work on finishing a stadium?

I think the FA may have some ideas

[nobelhopper]

very sad now

[PGN]

After 5 months the winter break is finally over and league football is being played in Sweden again! I travelled to Norrköping today for the match between IFK Norrköping and Djurgården. 6,000 away fans created a brilliant atmosphere, they eventually filled the entire South End plus bits of the East Stand:

It was announced as a sell-out (17,000) but the attendance was "only" 15 651.
The redevelopment of Idrottsparken to a 15,000 all-seater stadium with improved facilities has started, the area behind the north end was a building site, and should be ready in 18 months time.

Report and pictures from the match: IFK Norrköping-Djurgården

[martyman]

Some updates

Allsvenskan

AIK: The club is still negotiating about the cost for playing in the new National stadium, Swedbank Arena. http://www.svd.se/sp...ikel_498359.svd There is vague talk about AIK building their own stadium, but the most probable scenario is AIK playing in Swedbank Arena.

Djurgården: Five new places have been suggested for the new stadium: Bällsta Allé, Akalla, Hjulstamotet, Järvafältet and Loudden. Only one, Loudden is in the right part of the city, near Stockolm stadion. The problem with the site is that there is a port on the land, and the stadium can´t be built in the near future, perhaps a decade. http://www.svd.se/sp...kel_1078787.svd

Elfsborg: The side "Ålgårdsläktaren" will be extended with a executiv box, 60 places, ready for this summer. http://www.bt.se/nyh...juli(459971).gm There are also vague talks about extending the two ends with a tier of seats above the standing places, and this will perhaps also include a shoping centre.

Ljungskile: The ground has been renamed to “Starke Arvid Arena”. The capacity has been increased to 7.500. The main stand has got a new wing-exstention, with 240 places. Picture: http://www.dn.se/DNe...e...p?&a=756166 One end has got a temporary structure, around 1500 standing places. Picture: http://www.svenskafa...l.asp?id=225153 (scroll down)

Superettan

Brommapojkarna: Plans has been drawn up for a new indoor arena, with 15 000 places, close to the racecourse Solvalla. Pictures: http://brommapojkarn...ws_article/1203

Jönköping Södra: A roof will be built over the small stand next to the main stand. The fans want a roof over the opposite stand, but this won't be built in the near future.

Sirius Studenternas will be renovated, and a lot of different proposals are possible. http://www2.unt.se/a...=727135,00.html

Åtvidaberg: The club has not yet installed the footlights needed for professional football, but will play their first home game on Kopparvallen anyway.

Division 1

Östers IF: There are plans for a new area, called Arenastaden, withc would include a new stadium for Öster.

[Fookov]

Djurgården: Five new places have been suggested for the new stadium: Bällsta Allé, Akalla, Hjulstamotet, Järvafältet and Loudden. Only one, Loudden is in the right part of the city, near Stockolm stadion. The problem with the site is that there is a port on the land, and the stadium can´t be built in the near future, perhaps a decade. http://www.svd.se/sp...kel_1078787.svd

Just looking at the sites on Google Earth, Loudden looks absolutely miles away! What's wrong with Ballstra Alle? It might be up past Rasunda, but it looks reasonably close to the city and good access for motorway & train (oh, and airport...!)

[martyman]

Actually there is a problem with Bällsta allé, and there might be heigt restrictions because of the Airport. Loudden isn't that far away, it is about 2 km from Stockholm stadion. The fan-base of Djurgarden mostly live in the eastern or central part of the city. The westen part is more AIK dominated (and there are also some BP-fans, but not too many...)

More details about the five sites:
http://madeleinesjos...tbollsarena.doc

Best regards / Martin

[PGN]

I have updated the first post with the new information (Tack, Martin). Pictures from Ljungskile will come in two weeks time when I visit for the big derby against IFK Göteborg.

I made the short journey to Sölvesborg myself for the opening day derby against Kristianstad in Division 2 Södra Götaland (level 4):


Report and more pictures at groundhopping.se: Sölvesborg-Kristianstad

[Hazzman]

OT, I was reading my Speedway Star when it mentioned Maillia, the venue for the Swedish Grand Prix are set to develop their stadium.

I think it's currently named something like G&B Arena and holds 15,000. However, to avoid lose the honour of the grand prix and continue their name as the best club in Swedish speedway, they plan to build a timber roof over the track and seating. It would be one of the largest timber roof constructions in Europe with it being 30 metres high and resting on 11 trusses. It will cost in the region of £8.5 million. Holding 20,000 and holding concerts, horse shows and the distinct possibility of ice sports. It's 10 years in the pipeline according to reports.

[Fookov]

Actually there is a problem with Bällsta allé, and there might be heigt restrictions because of the Airport. Loudden isn't that far away, it is about 2 km from Stockholm stadion. The fan-base of Djurgarden mostly live in the eastern or central part of the city. The westen part is more AIK dominated (and there are also some BP-fans, but not too many...)

More details about the five sites:
http://madeleinesjos...tbollsarena.doc

Best regards / Martin

My mistake, I'd been looking at the docks in Lidingo Loudden looks a great place, shame it'd take so long to get a stadium there.

Also some news about Hammarby's new ground -
http://stockholm.cit...jens_nya_arena/

[PGN]

My mistake, I'd been looking at the docks in Lidingo Loudden looks a great place, shame it'd take so long to get a stadium there.

Also some news about Hammarby's new ground -
http://stockholm.cit...jens_nya_arena/

A translation for those who don´t understand Swedish:
The stadium will be financed and owned by Stockholm city council and they hope to start the building work in 2011. Capacity is to be 30,001 (something to do with UEFA regulations about stadium capacities for European championships?). Hammarby´s current ground can be seen in the top right corner and the advantage of building the new stadium near the Globe Arena is of course the good communications already existing.

OT, I was reading my Speedway Star when it mentioned Maillia, the venue for the Swedish Grand Prix are set to develop their stadium.

I think you mean Målilla

[Hazzman]

My mistake, I'd been looking at the docks in Lidingo Loudden looks a great place, shame it'd take so long to get a stadium there.

Also some news about Hammarby's new ground -
http://stockholm.cit...jens_nya_arena/

A translation for those who don´t understand Swedish:
The stadium will be financed and owned by Stockholm city council and they hope to start the building work in 2011. Capacity is to be 30,001 (something to do with UEFA regulations about stadium capacities for European championships?). Hammarby´s current ground can be seen in the top right corner and the advantage of building the new stadium near the Globe Arena is of course the good communications already existing.

OT, I was reading my Speedway Star when it mentioned Maillia, the venue for the Swedish Grand Prix are set to develop their stadium.

I think you mean Målilla

That's one...can't spell it correct to save my life. The team is Dackarna for the record.

[PGN]

I was in Ängelholm today and watched the Superettan match between Ängelholms FF and Örgryte. Not the best of grounds but three goals, nice weather and a good crowd (almost 2,000) made it an enjoyful afternoon.


Report and more pictures at: Ängelholm-Örgryte

[Phil]

PGN - thanks for all this information.

I'm working in Goteborg at the moment and looking to take in some games (went to GAIS IFK last week).

Can I check that in the Goteborg region there are these two top flight teams and then the 3 in the next tier (2 at one ground and then another at Hisigen)? Are there any others within an hour drive?

Thanks for your help

[PGN]

PGN - thanks for all this information.

I'm working in Goteborg at the moment and looking to take in some games (went to GAIS IFK last week).

Can I check that in the Goteborg region there are these two top flight teams and then the 3 in the next tier (2 at one ground and then another at Hisigen)? Are there any others within an hour drive?

Thanks for your help

Ljungskile is about 30-40 km north of Göteborg (by the E6 motorway). If you haven´t planned anything else this Friday I recommend the derby between Ljungskile and IFK Göteborg. They hope to break the all-time attendance record (5,600) and I will be there!
Elfsborg play in Borås (an hour drive to the east from Göteborg).

Just let me know if you need more information/advice!

[Phil]

PGN - thanks for all this information.

I'm working in Goteborg at the moment and looking to take in some games (went to GAIS IFK last week).

Can I check that in the Goteborg region there are these two top flight teams and then the 3 in the next tier (2 at one ground and then another at Hisigen)? Are there any others within an hour drive?

Thanks for your help

Ljungskile is about 30-40 km north of Göteborg (by the E6 motorway). If you haven´t planned anything else this Friday I recommend the derby between Ljungskile and IFK Göteborg. They hope to break the all-time attendance record (5,600) and I will be there!
Elfsborg play in Borås (an hour drive to the east from Göteborg).

Just let me know if you need more information/advice!

Thanks, unfortuately I have to go to Oslo tomorrow, otherwise I would have been there. Might go to the GAIS game tonight though

[PGN]

Well Phil, you missed a classic last night!
Nice weather, great little ground, a new record attendance of 7,128 (more than twice the population of Ljungskile) but most important an unlikely, but deserved, victory for Ljungskile. The match yesterday is one of the most fascinating I have been to.
Report and more pictures at: Ljungskile - IFK Göteborg