Leksands IF’s home arena, Tegera Arena, is facing scrutiny following a recent inspection that revealed a number of significant safety deficiencies. The findings, reported on March 22, 2026, highlight concerns regarding emergency preparedness and the overall safety of spectators, particularly during large events like SHL hockey matches. The issues range from obstructed evacuation routes to inadequate safeguards for visiting fans and discrepancies in official safety documentation.
The Brandkåren, Sweden’s fire safety authority, identified sixteen points of concern during its inspection of the arena. These issues raise questions about the venue’s ability to effectively manage an emergency situation and ensure the swift and safe evacuation of potentially thousands of attendees. The timing of these revelations is particularly sensitive, given previous incidents at the arena and ongoing efforts to improve safety protocols.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation Challenges
A key area of concern centers around the arena’s emergency evacuation procedures. The Brandkåren found that several evacuation routes were either blocked or inadequately maintained, potentially hindering a rapid response in the event of a fire or other emergency. This echoes concerns raised earlier this year, when, during a January 24, 2024, SHL match between Leksands IF and HV71, some emergency exits were found to be unusable due to being blocked by snow and ice, as reported by SVT Nyheter. At the time, Andreas Hedbom, Leksands IF’s CEO, acknowledged the issue and stated the club would address the problems immediately.
The January incident, triggered by someone smoking in a stairwell, prompted a full evacuation of approximately 7,000 people. While the situation was ultimately resolved, the blocked exits raised serious questions about the arena’s preparedness. One attendee, Thomas Eriksson, described the situation as “uncomfortable” when attempting to evacuate with his children, noting a mechanical issue with a magnetic lock on one of the doors, according to SVT Nyheter.
Concerns Regarding Fan Safety and Documentation
Beyond evacuation routes, the inspection also revealed concerns about the safety of visiting fans. The Brandkåren noted that the current separation between home and away supporters was deemed “risky,” suggesting a potential for conflict or unsafe conditions. The fire safety plans on file were found to be inaccurate and did not reflect the current layout of the arena, as detailed in Falu-Kuriren. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of emergency response planning.
Leksands IF has been proactive in addressing some safety concerns following a previous incident on January 20, 2024, when a fire alarm was triggered by cigarette smoke. The club has since implemented technical fixes, reinforced organizational procedures with increased staffing during home matches, and is exploring ways to integrate the arena’s jumbotron with the fire alarm system to improve communication with the public, as outlined in a statement on Leksands IF’s website. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving safety, but the recent inspection suggests further work is needed.
Looking Ahead
The Brandkåren’s findings necessitate a comprehensive review of safety protocols at Tegera Arena. Leksands IF will require to address the identified deficiencies promptly to ensure the safety of all attendees. The club’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical capabilities and improve communication are positive steps, but a thorough assessment of evacuation procedures, fan separation, and the accuracy of safety documentation is crucial. The next steps will likely involve a detailed action plan submitted to the Brandkåren, outlining how the club intends to rectify the identified issues and prevent future incidents.
This situation underscores the importance of regular safety inspections and proactive maintenance at large venues. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding arena safety in the comments below.
