Wondering where champions are made? This is Husqvarna Garden. It stands as a modern beacon in Jönköping. But its story is deeply rooted in the city’s sporting spirit.
Originally known as Kinnarps Arena, Husqvarna Garden emerged from the dreams of HV71. They wanted a state-of-the-art ice hockey venue. Construction began in September 1999. Remarkably, it was built around the old Rosenlundshallen. HV71 continued to play their regular season games even as construction was underway. Imagine the dedication.
Flensborns arkitektkontor designed the arena. Skanska served as the contractor. Kinnarps AB financed the project. The future belonged to HV71 Fastighets AB, a subsidiary of HV71. They would become the proprietor and owner of Husqvarna Garden.
HV71 christened their new home on September 26, 2000. They won against Luleå HF 6–4. The official inauguration occurred on October 21 of the same year. A new training facility was added in May 2001 to improve HV71’s youth program. Husqvarna Garden continued to evolve.
An expansion in 2004 added 1000 seats. It also brought a restaurant, sports bar, café, sky bar, conference rooms and boxes. By 2007, a new LED scoreboard was installed. It was a Daktronics Prostar Video 10 mm indoor display, a display surpassing any LED scoreboards currently installed in Sweden.
In August 2020, Kinnarps Arena was renamed Husqvarna Garden. This marked a new chapter for the venue. But it continues to be a celebrated home for ice hockey.
Husqvarna Garden has hosted many events. The Karjala Tournament in 2000 and 2005. The European Handball Championship in 2002. The Ice Hockey World Championship in 2002. The Team Handball Men’s World Cup in 2004. The World Men’s Handball Championship in 2011 and 2023. It’s not just sports.
Semifinal 1 of Melodifestivalen 2007 took place here. DreamHack Winter 2011 brought gamers. Heat 5 and Semifinal of Melodifestivalen 2025 are also on the calendar. Husqvarna Garden is a versatile venue.
Today, Husqvarna Garden can hold 7,000 spectators for ice hockey games. 1,100 can stand and cheer. The ice hockey rink measures 30 x 60 meters. The arena cost SEK 135 million to build, which is about EUR €15 million.
Husqvarna Garden is more than just an arena. It’s a symbol of Jönköping’s sporting pride. It’s a place where memories are made and history unfolds. It is a testament to what a community can achieve with vision and passion. As you stand here, feel the energy. Feel the echoes of roaring crowds and the thrill of victory. This is Husqvarna Garden.