Idrottsplatsen was opened on 28 June 1896,[1][2] even though the curves of the velodrome were not fully completed until 1907.

[3][4] The centre field could be used for athletics as well, and during winter it was watered and used for ice skating in sub-zero conditions.

But many more could attend events; the wrestling exhibition match in 1896 between GAIS wrestler Carl Gustafsson and Ottoman royal court wrestler Memisch Effendi set a record attendance of 10,000.

[7][1][8] Tough competition from Walhalla IP that opened in 1908 gradually worsened the economy of Idrottsplatsen,[6] and plans for a more modern stadium materialised.

In 1915, Idrottsplatsen was started to be demolished to make room for its replacement, Ullevi, which opened in 1916.