World Stadiums: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Parken Stadium (known as Parken - Connected by 3 for sponsorship reasons) is the home stadium of the Denmark national football teams as well as one of the country's most successful club sides, F.C. Copenhagen.
The ground, which is equipped with a retractable roof, is the largest stadium in Denmark. Parken was one of the 12 stadiums for Euro 2020; it hosted three group stage matches, plus a round of 16 match. In addition, the ground hosted the 1994 European Cup Winners Cup final between Arsenal and Parma and the 2000 UEFA Cup final between Arsenal and Galatasaray.
Stands & Pitch
The stadium features four stands: These are the North Stand (Familie Siden) with primarily family seating, the South Stand dedicated to away supporters during football matches plus the East and West Stands: These provide the best views and are generally where most of the home fans are located during FC Copenhagen games and national team matches.
The pitch size is the standard 105 x 68 meters, featuring a hybrid grass surface and floodlights.
History
Parken Stadium opened on 6th September 1992, replacing the former Idrætsparken (the Sports Park), which had been a key venue since the 1910s. The old stadium was outdated and no longer met modern standards, prompting the decision to build a new, larger facility.
The design of Parken was led by Danish architect Kim Utzon, inspired by the modern stadiums of the 1990s, which focused on high-capacity and fan experience. The stadium was built at an estimated cost of around DKK 1 billion (roughly €134 million at the time). The project was completed in just over two years. The stadium's first match was a 1-2 friendly loss to Germany.
Since its opening, Parken Stadium has undergone multiple upgrades to ensure it remains a top-tier venue. Notable renovations occurred in 2001, 2007, and more recently in 2017, which improved seating, facilities, and infrastructure. For example, the old roof structure was replaced to improve acoustics and protect fans from the elements.
Christian Eriksen's near-death experience during Euro 2020 took place at Parken, but the textbook response of the Danish physios and proximity of the Rigshospitalet, four minutes' drive from the ground saved his life.
Parken Stadium is owned by the Parken Sport & Entertainment group, which also owns FC Copenhagen.
If you're interested in learning more about Parken's history, the national team and FC Copenhagen ('The Lions'), you can book a guided tour of the stadium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the locker rooms, VIP areas, and pitch. FC Copenhagen are the country's most successful club with the most league titles and cups won.
Capacity
Parken's capacity is 38,190 for soccer games. There have been discussions about expanding the stadium in the future to increase the capacity to around 50,000 seats to accommodate more fans.
Uses
As well as soccer matches, the stadium has been used for music concerts and other events. Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Metallica have all performed here.
Access - Getting To Parken Stadium
Parken Stadium is situated in the Østerbro district, just a few kilometers north of Copenhagen's city center. It is easily accessible from multiple points in the city, whether you're coming from the central train station or the airport. The stadium lies next to Fælledparken - one of the biggest parks in Copenhagen.
Metro: Take the M3 Metro to Trianglen, Poul Henningsens Plads (for away fans) or Vibenhus Runddel.
Bus: Several bus lines, including 1A, 3A, and 8A, stop near the stadium.
Train: The nearby Østerport train station is also just a short walk from the stadium and provides a quick connection to Copenhagen Central Station on the S-train.
Parking: There is limited parking around the stadium, so it's recommended to use public transport. However, if you need to drive, there are several parking lots in the vicinity, although they can get crowded on match days.
Walking and Biking: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, and there are plenty of bike racks around the stadium. Fans can cycle from the city's main square Rådhuspladsen to Parken in 12 minutes. Additionally, the walk from Østerport station or the city center is quite pleasant and takes about 20-25 minutes.
Address: Per Henrik Lings Allé 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
Nearby Hotels
See here for a complete accommodation list of available hotels in Copenhagen in Denmark.
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