Once named Idrætsalléen, this public space has quite a story to tell. Welcome to Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads. It is located in Copenhagen’s Østerbro district. This triangular plaza sits on the west side of Østerbrogade.
Let’s dive into the past. The first football games took place here in the 1870s. Boldklubben af 1893, or B93, was founded here. Many other sports clubs joined later. In 1911, Københavns Idrætspark or Copenhagen Sports Park was established. More sports venues popped up after that.
Originally known as Idrætsalléen, this space got a new name in 1942. It became Staunings Plads after Prime Minister Thorvald Stauning. He lived nearby in Kanslergade. But in 1981, the name changed again to Ved Idrætsparken. Staunings Plads was then moved to Vester Farimagsgade. Finally, in 1993, this space received its current name. It honors Gunnar “Nu” Hansen. He passed away the year before.
Gunnar “Nu” Hansen was a famous sports journalist. People loved his radio broadcasts. He covered sports matches from the nearby Idrætsparken. His nickname “Nu” came from his signature call. He would often say, “Nu, nu, nu scorer han!” which means “Now, now, now he scores!”. Gunnar “Nu” Hansen even lived close by on Østerbrogade.
Take a look around Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads. Notice Øbro Hallen at No. 1–3. It was built between 1926 and 1930. Wittmaack og Hvalsøe designed it. This was Denmark’s first indoor public swimming pool. Københavns Idræts Forening is based at No. 3A.
Also, spot Østerbro Stadium at No. 7. See Idrætshuset or The Sports House. Søren Lemche designed these in 1914. Lemche also designed B93’s tennis hall in 1912. Today, it’s known as Sparta Hallen. These buildings were listed in 2009. The athletics club Sparta is based at No. 7.
On the north side of Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads, you’ll see Østerfælled Barracks. These barracks were redeveloped in the 1990s. Now, they’re known as Østerfælled Torv.
Don’t miss the public art here. Lauritz Jensen’s sculpture Two Lions stands in Den Franske Plads. It’s a section of the square. The sculpture dates back to 1905. It was first placed on Israels Plads. Later, it moved to Poul Henningsens Plads. Finally, it arrived here in 1916.
Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads has evolved. It has transformed from a sports avenue to a tribute. It honors a beloved sports journalist. It shows how much sports mean to Østerbro. The spirit of Gunnar “Nu” Hansen lives on here. The echoes of cheering crowds and exciting commentary still resonate. This place is more than just a square. It’s a piece of Copenhagen’s sporting history.