Countdown to Lundaspelen: 8 Updates!

Lundaspelen 2024 is fast approaching – are you ready for the handball celebration everyone’s buzzing about? With just a few weeks left, anticipation is building across the handball community. We had the chance to speak with Hanna Frykman, who shared why this year’s tournament might just be the most memorable one ever.

Here are eight exciting updates she revealed:

1. The World is Coming to Lund!

More international teams than ever before have signed up this year. “Playing against teams from other countries is a fantastic opportunity for young players to grow and challenge themselves,” says Hanna. And it’s also a chance to make new friends from all over the globe – who could say no to that?

2. World-Class Referees

In addition to the teams, the referees also bring an international flair. Many referees from countries like Sweden, Spain, Germany, and Denmark will help make the games exciting. “We select them carefully because they’re such an important part of the overall experience, and we’re proud to offer such high quality,” explains Hanna.

3. Sustainable Transport Made Easier

Thanks to an expanded partnership with Skånetrafiken, getting around will be smoother than ever. All participants will receive a travel pass valid on both trains and buses for all necessary destinations, including handball arenas and sleeping accommodations.

Another positive improvement is the introduction of minibuses that can be booked as needed when public transport schedules don’t align. This also adds great flexibility!

4. The Opening Ceremony!

Lundaspelen will, of course, kick off with a bang! This year’s opening ceremony will be even more spectacular, featuring more entertainment, more music, and more showmanship. Naturally, there will also be a grand flag parade with representatives from all 17 participating nations.

5. Bigger and Better Webshop

The webshop has been updated with a wider selection of new performance shirts and zip-hoodies in various colors, with the option to add the owner’s name. Those who place their orders by December 8th will be able to pick them up at their hotel or school upon arrival in Lund.

6. Elite Matches Set the Stage

Exciting matches await at Sparbanken Skåne Arena! LUGI’s women’s team will face OV Helsingborg on December 28th, and the men’s team will go up against Vinslöv HK the following day, December 29th.

On December 28th, the elite match will be followed by last year’s popular event featuring two semifinals. “The lounge will be open, and we’ll have more kiosks available – it’s going to be a magical atmosphere,” guarantees Hanna.

7. Parahandball Gains International Status

This year marks the debut of “Lundaspelen Special Class,” an international parahandball tournament made possible through donations from Emrapotten, SPP Klart du kan, and the Pia Ståhl Foundation. Thanks to their contributions, Lundaspelen can offer free registration and one night of hotel accommodation to all participating parahandball teams.

“We are incredibly proud to make the games even more inclusive and show that everyone can participate,” Hanna shares. “We hope to expand even further in the coming years as part of our ambition to see parahandball grow in more countries. There’s still time for parahandball teams to register – and we’d love for everyone to come and watch the matches!”

8. Sponsors Take the Games to the Next Level

We are thrilled to build more partnerships with sponsors to make the games even better. Among our partners are Sparbanken Skåne, Bilia Volvo/Toyota, ICA Malmborgs (providing fantastic food), and Wilfa (supplying equipment for our kiosks). Our hotel partners, Elite Hotel Ideon, Motel L, and Scandic Star, are also invaluable collaborators. Additionally, Sydsvenskan has joined as a partner.

More news will be announced as we get closer to the start, and Hanna wraps up with this promise: “This will be a Lundaspelen to remember. So save the dates and come experience the magic!”