Söderstadion: The History of Stockholm's Iconic Southern Stadium
For nearly five decades, Söderstadion (literally translated as 'the Southern Stadium') served as a cornerstone of sporting life in Stockholm, Sweden. From the roar of football crowds to the strategic glide of bandy players, this venue was more than just a field; it was a hub of athletic competition and community passion.
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The Evolution of the Site
The land where Söderstadion stood has a long history of hosting sports. Before the modern stadium was established, the site was home to earlier facilities, the first of which opened in 1918 under the name Johanneshovs Idrottsplats.
The Söderstadion that many remember was completed in 1966 and officially opened its gates on November 20, 1966. For years, it provided a dedicated home for various sports until its closure on June 23, 2013, when it was replaced by the nearby Tele2 Arena. By 2015, the structure was demolished to make way for new residential apartment buildings.
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A Versatile Sporting Hub
Söderstadion was designed for versatility, accommodating a variety of sports beyond football. It was notably used for ice hockey and became a legendary venue for bandy—a winter sport played on ice with a ball and curved sticks.
The Bandy Legacy
During the winter months, Söderstadion was a premier destination for bandy. It traditionally hosted the Swedish championship final, with the final match of the 1989 season marking the end of bandy at the stadium. Furthermore, the arena gained international prestige by hosting the final of the 1987 Bandy World Championship.
Football and Hammarby IF
The stadium is most closely associated with Hammarby IF, the Swedish champions of 2010 and 2013. While the club now plays at Zinkensdamm, Söderstadion witnessed some of their most historic moments. While the official capacity was 12,800, the stadium's popularity often pushed those limits.
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Key Facts
- Official Name: Söderstadion
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- Operational Years: 1966 – 2013
- Standard Capacity: 12,800
- Record Attendance: 22,000 (October 31, 1982, vs IFK Göteborg)
- Field Dimensions: 105 x 65 meters
- Primary Tenant: Hammarby IF
Stadium Specifications Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Field Size | 105 x 65 m |
| Opening Date | November 20, 1966 |
| Closing Date | June 23, 2013 |
| Demolition Year | 2015 |
| Sports Hosted | Football, Bandy, Ice Hockey |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Söderstadion site?
After the stadium was demolished in 2015, the site was designated for the construction of new apartment buildings.
Which team was the primary tenant of Söderstadion?
Hammarby IF was the primary tenant of the stadium before moving to Zinkensdamm.
What was the highest attendance ever recorded at the stadium?
The record attendance was 22,000 people, achieved on October 31, 1982, during a match between Hammarby IF and IFK Göteborg.
Was Söderstadion used for any international events?
Yes, the stadium hosted the final of the 1987 Bandy World Championship.
Which stadium replaced Söderstadion?
Söderstadion was replaced by the nearby Tele2 Arena.