This is what the audience experience will be like at our new arena.
There’s a lot of exciting activity happening these days at the construction site for Glimt’s new arena at Thalleveiåkeren in Bodø. Construction is proceeding at a breakneck pace, and the project is currently ahead of schedule. In the coming months, there will be significant progress at the construction site.
In other words, Bodø/Glimt is set to take possession of the stadium on December 15, 2027. By then, the club will be ready to begin its daily operations in a state-of-the-art, groundbreaking soccer stadium—a new chapter that will help ensure Glimt continues to make strides both on and off the field.
This is the second article in a series about Glimt's new home stadium. In this article, we'll take a look at what it will be like for fans once the stadium is brand-new and ready for games.
Here's what you can expect
There are many questions among Bodø/Glimt fans about what it will be like once the new stadium is completed. Of course, we don’t have all the answers yet, but we know a lot about what it will be like to be a spectator at the new stadium.
In the sections below, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions from our audience.
Roof on the new arena
We have to put up with the weather in Bodø, so naturally, many people are curious about how much of the stadium is covered.
There won’t be a roof covering the entire stadium, so the field will still be exposed to rain and precipitation. But every single seat in the stadium will be well sheltered under the roof. Does that mean you can leave your raincoat behind on the worst rainy days? Well, it has happened that the rain in Bodø falls more horizontally than vertically, so we’ll probably have to make a small caveat or two. But as far as possible, the plan is for everyone to be able to sit dry and comfortable in the new arena.
Seats and Floors
Of course, many people are also curious about what the seating arrangement at the new arena will look like. What we already know is that the stadium will be divided into two levels.
There are many advantages to building a two-story structure. Since the roof of the new stadium will extend all the way to the sideline of the field, we have to build the roof relatively high. This is to ensure that the lights suspended from the roof are at the correct angle toward the playing surface. Because of the ceiling height, a two-story design will provide a more cohesive and intimate experience.
In addition, a clear and effective ticketing strategy will help ensure better crowd flow and a more intimate atmosphere at games where the stadium is not sold out.
Another major advantage of having two levels is the possibilities created by the space between them. Here, we plan to build a promenade that runs around almost the entire stadium. Along this promenade, there will be common areas, concession stands, and restrooms. In addition, it will be possible to view the field from the promenade and host various events.
On the top level, the stands will have a slope of as much as 35 degrees. By having such steep stands, we’ll be able to place those sitting at the very top, right up against the roof, as close to the field as possible. In addition to playing an important role in the stadium’s atmosphere, this also ensures a good view from every single seat in the stadium. Even though the roof extends far toward the field, there will be no columns or other elements obstructing anyone’s view.
Safe standing is planned both in the J-section supporter section in the north stand and in the away section.
Acoustics
Acoustics are important in every soccer stadium. Of course, it’s in all of our best interests for the sound to carry well—both from the public address system and from our fans. The stadium has been well-designed to ensure that this happens.
We’ve attended listening tests with the speaker supplier. They’ve let us hear exactly what the sound will be like. If there are a lot of people at the game, you’ll experience a robust and steady sound without any delays. If there are slightly fewer people in the stands, it could affect the sound—which is common in large buildings. But I suppose we don’t need to worry about that, do we?
Parking
Many people are also curious about the parking options at the new arena.
It will not be possible for all spectators to drive to the game. People who need to drive to the game will be provided with designated parking spaces. The rest of the audience must use bicycles, walk, use other parking spaces in the area, or take public transportation.
All in all, there will be better parking options than there are today at Aspmyra.
Kiosk Specials
The concession stands at the new arena will be significantly upgraded compared to the current offerings at Aspmyra. We are working on concepts that will minimize wait times. An outside company will operate the concession stands. The food offerings will include hot dishes in addition to—but not instead of—hot dogs. There will also be an opportunity to warm up with hot dog broth at the new arena.
Parties and Everyday Life
Glimt's new arena will be used for more than just soccer games. Not only will there be office space for employees of the companies based in the building, but there will also be opportunities for others to stop by.
If you're in the area and would like to have lunch while watching the men's first team practice, we welcome guests to visit us. It's also possible to rent meeting rooms and venues for celebrations such as baptisms and confirmations.
This is the second article in a series about the new arena. In the next article, we'll take a closer look at universal design and accessibility.