Göteborg (Gothenburg) is the second largest city in Sweden, located on the west coast, with a population of approximately 430,000. The city has a long history of speed skating, and Nya Ullevi (The new Ullevi) was the first artificial rink used in international championships (1959). Nya Ullevi was the host of 12 international championships over a period of 25 years (1959-1984), but from 1989 Ruddalen Idrottsplass took over as the international speed skating venue in Göteborg. In 1994 Johann Olav Koss won his last international title here.

After several years of planning, preparations and careful wind examinations, the construction of the first covered speed skating arena in Sweden started in March 2002. It was completed in time for the opening races in November 2002. The covered rink has walls, which cover about 80% on three sides. The unique location of the rink made it possible to leave a whole side open without affecting the conditions on the track. A positive side-effect is the exercise track along the switching strait, encompassed by the tree and snow covered mountainside, creating an outdoor feeling. Gianni Romme won the first international championships on the newly covered rink, winning his second World title.

By Bjarte Hetland, last updated December 22, 2006