From the Classroom to the World Stage: Students Build the Red Barn Arena

A Unique Collaboration

For Michael Pihlgren, a vocational teacher at Forslunda Gymnasium, the collaboration with Rally Sweden is a unique opportunity for student development.

“It’s not every day you get to build a world-class arena with your students. It warms your heart to see their growth, both professionally and personally,” says Michael.

It all started with a phone call from Glenn Olsson, the former CEO of Rally Sweden. Glenn had an idea to build a world arena—The Red Barn—and involve local students. From nothing, the work began. They laid nearly a kilometer of electrical wiring around the arena, and the internet infrastructure was set up. Each year, the school collaborates with other stakeholders to expand and improve the arena.

“We want the audience to feel that the arena evolves and becomes even more spectacular each year. Seeing the students’ growth year after year—that’s the best part. There’s no other project quite like this,” Pihlgren explains.

The project provides students with practical skills ranging from excavation and electrical installations to logistics and team leadership. But it’s also about learning teamwork, problem-solving, and how to manage stress in real-world situations.

“This is more than just a school project. This is real life. They see the direct results of their work, and that’s something they carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Michael emphasizes.

An Arena Built with Heart and Hard Work

As the event approaches, the students witness their work transform into a vibrant, bustling venue filled with life, sound, and lights. From shoveling snow in the cold and dark to standing in the middle of a pulsating celebration.

“It’s powerful to drive past the arena and think, ‘I helped build that.’ It gives you a sense of pride that’s hard to put into words,” says Robin.

For both Robin and Ida, being part of the arena’s construction during their three years at Forslunda has been incredibly valuable.

“We’ve actually helped build something that lots of people appreciate and enjoy. It’s a big deal globally—people come here from all over the world. To have built something of that scale, it’s just surreal,” they share.

With a wealth of experiences under their belts, it’s clear that the students’ work with Rally Sweden is more than just part of their education. It’s a journey from theory to practice, from student to future professional—and perhaps most importantly, a chance to create something meaningful for themselves and thousands of visitors.

Future Builders Take the World Stage

For many of the students, working with Rally Sweden is their first real taste of the professional world awaiting them after graduation. It’s an opportunity to network with industry professionals, showcase their skills, and feel part of an international event.

“It’s like a preview of what we can expect when we enter the workforce. You realize how important it is to be flexible, to collaborate, and always stay one step ahead,” says Ida.

The collaboration with Rally Sweden proves how education can come alive when it moves beyond the classroom walls. Here, students aren’t just building an arena—they’re building their own futures.

“We learn so much! It’s awesome to work with Rally Sweden, and it means a lot to Umeå,” Ida concludes.