Stockholm  - Pop stars, ponies, Pavarotti, ice hockey players and the late pope have all been guests at the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark building that has just turned 20.

From afar, the white building resembles a giant golf ball. Special flood lighting can, however, change the outer colour.

Since the official opening in February 1989, the arena has been the venue for the world ice hockey championships in 1989 and 1995, the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest and the late Pope John Paul II celebrated mass there in June 1989.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela and the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, both Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have also given speeches at the arena.

Located on the southern outskirts of Stockholm, the hemispherical building can seat some 16,000 spectators for concerts or shows and roughly 14,000 for ice hockey matches.

The arena has a 110-metre diameter and its inner height is 85 metres. Since its opening, it has registered around 20 million visitors. Two weddings have been held on the roof.

Concerts include huge choir performances, and acts performing there have ranged from Luciano Pavarotti, Celine Dion, the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen to Elton John and Bob Dylan.

The Stockholm International Horse Show is another popular event at the arena, which has also hosted corporate meetings.

Swedish telecommunications equipment maker Ericsson recently acquired the name to the arena, part of a complex of arenas.

During 2009, the Ericsson Globe hopes to complete two gondola-style rides to the roof, offering a different perspective of the Stockholm skyline.

More details on www. globearenas. se. (dpa)