Halls saved the sports clubs' activities

It is very important for a small sports club to think about finances. Brinkens IF is one of Stockholm's smaller ice-hockey clubs, and has used an outdoor rink behind the Stockholm Stadium for many years.

The day finally came when the club realised that they needed an indoor skating rink to support their activities. But it was difficult to build a permanent indoor rink, since Östermalms IP is located in an urban national park. The solution was a hall supplied by Hallbyggarna-Jonsereds. A hall that reminds one of the company's classic warehouse halls.

Since this hall was not a permanent building, the club was granted a five-year planning permit.

"Then we will have to see what happens," says Per-Axel Bergman, who is a committee member and a leading light in the club, who was very happy when the hall was inaugurated.

These days, the club's A-team, junior team, eight young people's teams and an ice-hockey school base their activities in the hall, which is 40 metres wide and 65 metres long. The hall also has space for 200 spectators.

"The best thing is that we do not have to think about the weather, and the season can last from September to April," says Per-Axel Bergman.

The rumour spreads

Several other sports clubs in the Stockholm area have followed Brinken's example and acquired similar halls, to avoid having to think about the weather, and also get a cost-effective arrangement. The positive reactions pleased Thomas Carlsson, sales manager for halls at Hallbyggarna-Jonsereds.

"It is very pleasing that our ice-hockey rink product can be of use to ice-hockey clubs all over the country. This is a product which is both financially attractive and the same time, ensures continued activity in the clubs," says Thomas and continues:

"It is also important for the clubs to be able to extend their season, at the same time as this is done at an acceptable running cost."

The rumour about all the advantages of these halls has spread right across Sweden. Several clubs in different places in Sweden have contacted Hallbyggarna-Jonsereds and asked for information.