Aker Stadion – stadium description

The new stadium on Moldefjord’s riverfront, just West of Molde city centre, was built within just a year. Ground works started in March 1997, while opening took place in April the following year, despite the entire project being subject to controversy by local residents.

With over 2,800 sqm of commercial space the stadium cost NOK 212 million, of which 160 was for stadium works alone. Over 90% of the sum was covered by club owner Kjell Inge Røkke, with minor support from the city and national lottery.

The stadium with two-tiered stands was designed to hold over 13,000 people and crowds of that size were seen in early months. However, with the club advancing to European competitions standing sections were soon converted to seated areas, decreasing capacity significantly.

With two-coloured granite and glass-aluminum cladding outside, the stadium and the beautiful landscape around it are a quality sight, proven by awards and nominations over time.

At first called simply Nya Molde Stadion, the ground took the name Aker Stadion in 2006, promoting the company of Røkke. The entrepreneur’s impact on the club erned him a place in the stadium’s nickname, Røkkeløkka.

Apart from domestic and international fixtures of Molde the stadium also held internationals by the Norwegian national side, as well as various non-sporting events.