Halmstad Celebrates: Swedish Championships Week Returns in Summer 2028!
Halmstad has once again been chosen to host the prestigious Swedish Championships Week (SM-veckan) in the summer of 2028, marking their third time as host city. This exciting announcement comes after a competitive selection process and demonstrates the city’s strong reputation for sporting events.
Why This Matters
According to Sportnavigatorn 2023, SM-veckan is Sweden’s third most popular annual sporting event, following only Vasaloppet and Finnkampen. It’s particularly popular among young adults, ranking third after Gothia Cup and Vasaloppet.
City Leadership Perspective
“We are incredibly excited to host the SM-veckan in summer 2028. This is exactly the type of event we want to attract to Halmstad, as it strengthens our brand and fills the city with life and movement. It’s a crucial part of our strategy to make Halmstad an even more attractive place to live, visit, and operate in.” – Stefan Pålsson, City Council Chairman
Event Selection Process
The selection was determined by small but significant margins. The primary criteria for a host city include the ability to provide exceptional conditions for sports competitions. The event committee also considers each city’s event strategy and long-term goals.
“Both Växjö and Halmstad deliver on all fronts. Halmstad, with its experience in hosting major events, especially the SM-veckan, and its broad local support, is well-prepared for hosting.” – Maria Hallberg, Event Manager, Swedish Sports Confederation
Historical Context
Halmstad has previously hosted the SM-veckan in summers 2011 and 2013. The 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic, with only a digital seminar program taking place.
Community Impact
“Events like this create not just joy and community, but also a strong sense of pride for local sports associations. The collective journey towards the event truly strengthens community solidarity.” – Sandra Hidgård, District Sports Chief, RF-SISU Halland
What to Expect
The SM-veckan typically features around 30 different sports competing for national championships. In 2028, Halmstad hopes to continue its tradition of showcasing a broad range of sports, including para-sports, across multiple venues.
“Hosting the SM-veckan in 2028 is fantastic! Halmstad has a strong events tradition, and beyond tourism economics, the event creates pride and community. It’s a development engine that strengthens our sports brand across a broad spectrum.” – Karolina Davidsson, CEO of Destination Halmstad
Quick Facts
- Event: SM-veckan (Swedish Championships Week)
- Year: 2028
- Location: Halmstad, Sweden
- Participating Sports: Approximately 30 different sports
Source: Original Press Release