In the freezing cold, Drottningtorget was filled to the brim on Thursday evening. Thousands of people came to watch the light-show, fireworks and outdoor concert with artists like Timbuktu and Gothenburg band oh Fibes! that marked the opening of Clarion Hotel Post.

The hotel's owner, Norwegian billionaire Petter A Stordalen, gave an enthusiastic welcoming speech. Flirting with the Gothenburg audience he said:

"Today my name is Glenn Stordalen!"*

Clarion Hotel Post aims to be the kind of hotel that is also a meeting place for the people of the city. It markets itself as "The New Face of Gothenburg", referring to a city of creativity and innovation. Office spaces for entrepreneurs are available at the hotel, and the restaurant is led by world famous chef Marcus Samuelsson. It promises to serve up culinary delights in the spirit of Gothenburg meets New York. Including, of course, Gothenburg's signature dish "halv special".


*Stordalen referred to the saying "Everyone in Gothenburg is named Glenn". The saying originates from 1982 when the local soccer club IFK Göteborg had no less than four Glenns in the team; Glenn Hysén, Glenn Strömberg, Glenn Schiller and Glenn Holm. It was first chanted by the supporters of the rival Stockholm soccer team AIK, but has since been adopted by Gothenburgers themselves.