Råsunda Stadium facts for kids
Råsunda Stadium during demolition in February 2013
|
|
| Full name | Råsunda Fotbollstadion |
|---|---|
| Location | Solna Municipality, Stockholms län, Sweden |
| Owner | Swedish Football Association |
| Capacity | 36,608 |
| Record attendance | 52,943 |
| Field size | 105 x 68 m |
| Construction | |
| Built | ?–1937 |
| Opened | 17 May 1937 |
| Renovated | 1985 |
| Expanded | 1958 |
| Closed | 2012 |
| Demolished | 2013 |
| Architect | Birger Borgström Sven Ivar Lind |
| Tenants | |
| Sweden national football team (1937–2012) AIK (1937–2012) |
|
The Råsunda Stadium (in Swedish: Råsunda fotbollsstadion) was a famous soccer stadium. It was located in Solna, a town near Stockholm in Sweden. This stadium was a very important place for Swedish soccer for many years.
Råsunda Stadium first opened its doors in April 1937. It served as the national stadium for the Sweden national football team for a long time. It was also the home ground for the soccer club AIK. The stadium closed in November 2012. Its demolition, meaning it was taken down, began in January 2013.
Contents
History of Råsunda Stadium
Råsunda Stadium was built to replace an older stadium called Råsunda IP. The new stadium was much bigger and more modern. It was designed by architects Birger Borgström and Sven Ivar Lind.
Opening and Early Years
The stadium officially opened on May 17, 1937. The first match played there was between Sweden and England. England won that game 4-0.
Hosting Big Tournaments
Råsunda Stadium was one of the few stadiums in the world to host finals for both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup.
1958 FIFA World Cup
In 1958, Sweden hosted the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Råsunda Stadium was the main venue for this huge event. It hosted the final match between Sweden and Brazil. Brazil, with a young Pelé, won the World Cup in this stadium.
1992 UEFA European Championship
The stadium also hosted matches during the UEFA Euro 1992 tournament. This was another major international soccer competition.
1995 FIFA Women's World Cup
In 1995, Råsunda Stadium hosted the final of the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup. This shows how important the stadium was for both men's and women's soccer.
Capacity and Attendance
The stadium could hold many fans. Its official capacity was about 36,608 people. However, the record attendance was even higher. A massive 52,943 people once gathered there to watch a game. This shows how popular soccer matches were at Råsunda.
End of an Era
After many decades of hosting exciting soccer matches, Råsunda Stadium closed in 2012. The last match played there was a World Cup qualifier between Sweden and England. Sweden won that game 4-2. The stadium was replaced by a new, modern arena called Friends Arena, which is also located in Solna. The demolition of Råsunda Stadium began in 2013, making way for new buildings.
