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Swedish Stadiums

SAAB ARENA

By February 3, 2026February 19th, 2026No Comments

SAAB ARENA

Saab Arena is a leading indoor stadium located in the heart of Linköping, Sweden. Primarily recognized as the home of elite ice hockey club Linköping HC, the arena also serves as a key venue for major concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. With flexible capacity ranging from 8,500 for sporting events to up to 11,500 for concerts, Saab Arena plays a crucial role in the city’s cultural and sporting life.

Originally opened in 2004 as Cloetta Center, the arena received its current name in 2014 through a naming partnership with Saab AB, a major aerospace and defense company headquartered in Linköping. The venue was developed by the municipal company Arenabolaget i Linköping AB and designed by Bergfjord & Ivarsson Arkitektkontor, combining modern architecture with highly functional design focused on spectator visibility and acoustics.

Saab Arena is strategically located near the Linköping travel center in the Stångebro district, offering excellent connectivity through public transport and pedestrian access. Its accessible setup includes designated spaces for wheelchair users, elevators, and adapted restrooms, aligning with Swedish regulations for public venues. The arena is also equipped with VIP boxes, media zones, and hospitality areas, making it suitable for a wide range of events.

Beyond sports, Saab Arena has hosted internationally acclaimed artists like Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Iron Maiden, and it played a role in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship. It contributes significantly to the local economy and community identity, serving as a gathering point for entertainment, culture, and regional pride. Whether you’re attending a hockey game, a concert, or a conference, Saab Arena offers a welcoming and modern experience for all visitors.

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Last updated 19.02.2026

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PARKING OPTIONS FOR LARGE CONCERTS?

For major concerts at Saab Arena, parking directly next to the venue is limited. Visitors are often directed to nearby parking areas, such as around Linköping Travel Centre and Stångebro. Using public transport or bicycle is recommended to avoid congestion.

Interested in Swedish stadiums? Check out this overview of stadiums in Sweden

ENTRANCE FOR PRE-PURCHASED STANDING TICKETS?

Guests with pre-purchased standing tickets are usually directed to entrance 2 on the north side of the arena. This entrance is designed to handle larger crowds and is located close to the standing section. On-site signage and staff help guide visitors at all types of events.

WHEN THE DOORS OPEN ON EVENT EVENINGS?

The doors to Saab Arena normally open 90 minutes before the scheduled start time of the event. For larger concerts or hockey games, the opening times may be adjusted slightly, but up-to-date information is always shown on the ticket and via the organiser’s and arena’s official channels.

FOUNDER AND KEY FIGURES

Saab Arena is owned by Linköping Municipality through the municipal company Arenabolaget i Linköping AB. The naming rights are held by the Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB, which is headquartered in Linköping.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

The arena was officially opened on 4 September 2004. It was designed to replace the older Stångebro Ishall, which no longer met the requirements of modern elite hockey. Linköping HC, the city’s top-tier ice hockey club, became the main tenant upon opening and has remained so since. The architectural work was led by Bergfjord & Ivarsson Arkitektkontor, with construction carried out by NCC.

Originally named Cloetta Center due to a sponsorship deal with confectionery company Cloetta, the arena changed its name to Saab Arena in 2014. The venue has hosted several notable events, including matches during the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and concerts by international artists such as Bob Dylan, Iron Maiden, and Elton John.

Renovations have primarily focused on upgrading media facilities and hospitality areas to align with evolving standards. The building has maintained its structural integrity and original design since opening.

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

The arena is situated in the city of Linköping, in Östergötland County, Sweden. It lies in the Stångebro area, just east of the city center. The surroundings include sports fields, the Linköping travel center, and the Stångån river. The proximity to central Linköping makes it a convenient venue for both locals and visitors.

Public transportation is easily available, with frequent buses and trains stopping at Linköping Resecentrum, a 10-minute walk from the venue. There is a limited number of parking spots near the arena, with overflow parking available in nearby areas. Bicycle paths and pedestrian routes are well maintained.

Accessibility features include designated seating for wheelchair users, accessible restrooms, and elevators in key areas. The arena complies with Swedish national regulations for public accessibility.

ARCHITECTURE AND FACILITIES

Saab Arena features a modern and functional architectural style with an emphasis on visibility and acoustics. The oval-shaped structure includes a single-tiered seating bowl that wraps around the playing surface, offering unobstructed views from all seats. The standard capacity for ice hockey is roughly 8,500, while the maximum concert capacity reaches approximately 11,500 depending on configuration.

The arena includes 28 VIP boxes, several hospitality lounges, and a dedicated area for media representatives equipped with broadband and broadcasting infrastructure. Dressing rooms meet international team standards, and there is a press conference room on the ground level.

While not a model of sustainability, the facility has implemented energy-efficient lighting and waste management systems. Future plans may include additional eco-friendly upgrades depending on municipal funding.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Address: Saab Arena, Gumpekullavägen 1, 582 78 Linköping, Sweden

The arena is a short walk from Linköping Central Station. Local bus lines connect the venue with other parts of the city. On event days, special buses may be arranged. Parking is limited near the venue; visitors are encouraged to use public transport or bicycle racks available on-site.

Stadium tours are not officially scheduled but may be arranged through Linköping HC or during specific public events. The arena includes a fan shop that sells Linköping HC merchandise and is open on game days and selected weekdays. Nearby attractions include the Gamla Linköping open-air museum, Linköping Cathedral, and the Air Force Museum.

DATA INSIGHTS AND POPULARITY

According to Google Trends and Semrush data, search interest in “Saab Arena” peaks during key hockey seasons and when international artists perform at the venue. Linköping HC’s consistent presence in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) helps maintain year-round attention.

On social media, the venue sees high engagement during home games, especially against major rivals. Compared to other Swedish arenas like Scandinavium in Gothenburg or Hovet in Stockholm, Saab Arena is smaller but considered modern and well-maintained. It holds a mid-tier spot among Swedish indoor arenas in terms of capacity and usage.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Saab Arena is deeply integrated into Linköping’s community identity. The arena is not only the home of Linköping HC but also a gathering place for sports fans, families, and music lovers. The venue has fostered a strong fan base, known for their organized support and family-friendly atmosphere during games.

While Linköping HC does not have a heated rivalry on a national scale, regional games against HV71 from nearby Jönköping often attract significant attention. The arena’s role extends beyond sports, serving as a concert venue and conference center, supporting the local economy and tourism.

What makes the arena distinct is its balance between professional-grade facilities and accessibility for general public events. It is a key part of the city’s urban development and cultural infrastructure.

FACT SECTION (FAQ STYLE)

  • Capacity: 8,500 (sports), up to 11,500 (concerts)
  • Year opened: 2004
  • Ticket availability: Tickets available via Linköping HC or Ticketmaster Sweden
  • Events: Ice hockey, concerts, exhibitions, conferences
  • Location: Linköping, Sweden

STADIUMINSIGHT RATING: 4.2 STARS

Accessibility: Good public transit links and accessible layout

Atmosphere: Consistent fan support, especially during SHL games

Historical value: Relatively modern but important in local context

Visitor satisfaction: High ratings for comfort and visibility

NICE TO KNOW

  • The arena was originally named Cloetta Center until 2014.
  • It hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2013.
  • Bob Dylan performed here in 2005 and 2009.
  • The venue includes a built-in conference center for up to 1,000 guests.
  • Saab AB, the naming sponsor, is headquartered just a few kilometers away.

SOURCE REFERENCES

  • Wikipedia: Saab Arena
  • Official site: Linköping HC
  • Visit Linköping Tourism Board
  • Semrush

Official stadium location

Saab Arena, Gumpekullavägen 1, 582 78 Linköping, Sweden

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Fan Culture

ATMOSPHERE AND TRADITION

Step into a packed game night at Saab Arena and you’re immediately immersed in a sea of blue and white. The home of Linköping HC pulses with electricity, as fans pour into the stands long before puck drop. The supporter section erupts in rhythmic drumming, flags ripple in perfect harmony, and scarves rise overhead during the anthem. For many, it’s much more than a hockey game — it’s a shared ritual, a weekly pilgrimage, and a fierce badge of local pride.

At the core of it all lies the “Ståplats” section on the north end — the heartbeat of Linköping’s hockey soul. Here, die-hard fans, many of whom have stood in the same spot for decades, belt out chants and lead choreographed routines. Generations of supporters pass down songs, traditions, and rivalries like family heirlooms. On derby nights, the chants get louder, the flags wave longer, and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric.

Before matches, the city center comes alive with the famed pre-game march. Hundreds gather, clad in jerseys and waving banners, to make the journey together to Saab Arena. Flares (when allowed) light the way, and chants echo down cobblestone streets. Once at the arena, groups gather near the main entrance, sharing memories, predictions, and warm drinks.

Inside the arena, it’s a festival of hockey devotion. Kids line up for autographs, older fans share stories from the early 2000s playoff runs, and many families treat game night as a seasonal tradition. Saab Arena becomes more than a rink — it becomes Linköping’s living room, where hockey memories are made.

STADIUM CLUB SONGS AND CHANTS

CLASSIC VERSE – “VI ÄR LHC”

“Vi står tillsammans, vi ger aldrig opp
Vi kämpar för färgerna – blått, vitt och topp
Från ståplats till sittplats, vi sjunger i kör
Linköping Hockey, vi finns alltid här!”

ADDITIONAL VERSE – “HJÄRTAT SLÅR”

“När mörker faller, och isen glimmar blå
Vi följer vår klubb, i medgång och i grå
Med hjärtat som slår, för varje mål vi ser
LHC för evigt, vår kärlek vi ger!”

ICONIC CHANT – “HEJA LHC”

  • Call: “Heja!”
  • Response: “L-H-C!”
  • Repeat: Three escalating rounds, often with clapping and stomping.

This chant is a staple after goals and between periods. Entire sections take part — from toddlers in oversized jerseys to seasoned fans with painted faces.

FAN-LED CHANTS

  • “Vi är här för att vinna” – A defiant chant used in tight games or during comebacks.
  • “Stå upp för LHC” – Encourages the entire arena to rise in unity.
  • “Blått och Vitt i våra hjärtan” – A slower, emotional chant often sung a cappella.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND FIXED SEATS

Being a Linköping HC member means more than watching hockey — it’s about belonging. Members get access to a host of benefits tailored to enhance their game-day and year-round experience.

Membership Perks Overview

Membership Perk Details
Season Tickets (Adult) Standing: 4,200 SEK / Center Ice: up to 7,900 SEK
Youth Discount Up to 40% off for under 18s
VIP Packages From 12,500 SEK with lounge access, catering, and premium padded seats
Fan Gear Bundle Includes jersey, scarf, and sticker set for new members
Early Booking Priority access for playoff and concert tickets

Standard vs Premium Comparison

Feature Standard Membership Premium Membership
Season Ticket Access Yes Yes, with reserved center seats
Fan Gear Discount 10% 20%
VIP Lounge Access No Yes
Exclusive Events Quarterly Monthly, plus player dinners

FACT OVERVIEW – GOOD TO KNOW

  • Classic Threads: The “LHC Tifo Gallery” thread showcases fan-made banners and tifo displays from 2001-present.
  • Forum Heroes: “IshockeyTompa” (tactical breakdowns) and “BlueWhiteSoul” (club history) are fan favorites.
  • Famous Memes:
    • “Saab Siren” – referencing the unforgettable arena goal horn.
    • “Ref på Glid” – mocking slippery ref decisions with gifs of skating referees.
    • “Puck i Kaffe” – an inside joke about a puck flying into a fan’s coffee during a 2013 game.
  • Legendary Moments: 2008 triple OT vs. Färjestad still cited as the arena’s loudest night ever.
  • Multi-use Venue: Hosted Melodifestivalen heats (2017, 2020), Monster Jam, and Swedish Idol Live.
  • Supporter Causes: “Blåvita Hjärtat” raises funds for youth teams and local sport clubs.

COMMUNITY VALUE

Saab Arena is more than a venue — it’s a second home for thousands. From kids skating on the same ice as their heroes to elderly fans who’ve followed LHC since its founding, the arena links generations. Whether you’re in the noisy Ståplats or quietly watching from the upper tier, you’re part of a family.

That sense of belonging is echoed across forums and fan clubs:

“My dad brought me here when I was seven. Now I bring my own daughter. It’s our tradition.” – Linnea, season ticket holder

“I met my best friends in Ståplats — we’ve been singing side by side for 15 years.” – Jonas, supporter group leader

“Even when the team struggles, we show up. That’s what it means to be LHC.” – Farid, forum contributor

From lifelong friendships to spontaneous chants that echo in the streets, Linköping HC isn’t just a team — it’s a way of life. To stay connected, visit the official site or join the fan forums and get involved.

For more in‑depth information on this topic, see the resources linked below, which provide additional insights and explanations.

Dictionary – Stats & Records
Dictionary – Stadiums & Arenas
Dictionary – Sports & Leagues
Dictionary – Fans, Tickets & Matchday
Dictionary – Equipment & Gear

Where can I park when attending a major concert near the arena?

Which entrance should I use for standing tickets?

What time do gates open before an event?

Is the venue accessible for visitors with disabilities?

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Can I arrange a group tour of the arena?

What is the seating capacity for concerts and hockey games?

What options are available for food and drinks during events?

Is there a fan shop on-site, and when is it open?

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