Clash arrived in Stockholm last week, accompanied by Kish-Kash, to witness the Sheraton Stockholm team's unveiling of the newly renovated, impressive Ballroom. This event featured an exclusive and unconventional premiere: a full-scale halfpipe demonstration, along with a photo exhibition showcasing the work of esteemed photographer Jens Andersson, which celebrated Stockholm’s skate scene from the 1990s.
At first glance, the homage may seem surprising, but it is more appropriate than it appears. Locally, the early ’90s are fondly termed 'The Sheraton Years' in Swedish skate history, as the underground garage beneath the hotel was a hub for local skaters and creatives.
Under the clever theme "The Board Meeting," Sheraton gathered skaters, thinkers, and cultural figures in the Ballroom, which had been equipped with a full-scale halfpipe. The evening featured a skate showcase, an exhibition of Jens Andersson’s photographs from the Sheraton Years, and previously unseen video footage from that era, all displayed on the ballroom’s impressive 32-square-meter LED screen.
“During this time, there were hardly any suitable places for us to skate, especially in the darker months,” noted Jens Andersson, the Swedish skater and photographer who chronicled this pivotal time in Stockholm’s skate history. “It was always a fun contrast—knowing that just above us was this elegant five-star hotel while we were below, skating the same curbs, stairs, and pads repeatedly.”
The evening commenced with a panel discussion led by multi-disciplinary creative David Hellqvist, who engaged Jens Andersson and skater and author Martin Karlsson. They shared experiences and memorable moments from the Sheraton Years and contemplated the future of Stockholm’s skateboarding community, a future in which Sheraton intends to actively participate through ongoing communication with the Stockholm Municipality.
“We're excited to pay tribute to the cultural legacy of the Sheraton garage while officially revealing our new Ballroom,” expressed Elin Roquet, General Manager of Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. “As we finalize our renovations, we’re embarking on a new chapter for Sheraton Stockholm—one where we respect our past while looking ahead. We take pride in our role within Swedish skate culture and are eager to support new initiatives that help the scene thrive. Beyond being a memorable cultural event, The Board Meeting illustrates the versatility of the Ballroom.”
The evening culminated when three local skaters performed on the halfpipe set up in the center of the Ballroom. Coupled with historical footage projected on the large screen, the event offered an immersive experience that combined the raw energy of the '90s garage with the timeless sophistication of the Ballroom, as a new generation of skaters took the spotlight.
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Clash arrived in Stockholm last week along with Kish-Kash to witness the Sheraton Stockholm team's reveal of the newly renovated, magnificent Ballroom featuring an