RäppeGround: Nya Räppevallen Visits: 1 Date: 29th May 2022 Match: Räppe - IFK Hässleholm 2-1 (Division 2 Södra Götaland) Attendance: 400 In 2017 I visited Räppevallen in Växjö for Räppe GoIF v Prespa Birlik. A year ago I became aware that a new hospital was to be built on the site of Räppevallen and that Växjö city council had decided to build a new ground for the club. A month ago Räppe GoIF announced the first match at the new ground, Nya Räppevallen, would be 29 May against IFK Hässleholm. Having been to Kristianstad v Räppe last weekend I would actually watch Räppe two weekends in a row! Anyway, kick-off was at 15.00 on Sunday afternoon and after 90 minutes of driving I arrived 50 minutes prior to kick-off. I was surprised to find out there are only 25 parking spots at the new ground and those were reserved for players and officials. I parked at a nearby school, some 500 m from the ground, but surely they have to find more spots near the ground. Once at Nya Räppevallen there was an orchestra playing and a lot of activities for children. There are two full size (grass!) pitches at Nya Räppevallen and the southernmost of those will be used for league football. There is a small open stand on the west side but the other sides are flat standing. The ground was officially inaugurated by the head of the Culture and Sports department in Växjö and the first ever kick-off at Nya Räppevallen could then take place. There was free entrance today and it was nice to see the stand packed with locals. I estimate around 400 were at the opening match and for Division 2 that is a very good attendance. It was 0-0 at half-time but in the 2nd half Räppe scored twice in two minutes to take a 2-0 lead. Hässleholm pulled a goal back in stoppage time but there was no time for an equaliser. The first ever match at Nya Räppevallen ended 2-1 to Räppe and the new era for the club started well. For me this was a good day out and I am sure Räppe GoIF will prosper at their new home. ![]() Clubhouse Orchestrea West Stand A closer look at the West Stand Press box Opening ceremony Players and officials entering Kick-off South End View of play View of play ![]() East side South End West Stand West Stand West Stand West Stand West Stand |