Aspmyra Stadion – stadium description

Decision on the construction of a professional football stadium in Bodø was made in 1962, though it raised significant levels of skepticism. Part of the controversy was about location, eventually settled for Aspmyra, from which the ground’s name is derived. Grounbreaking took place in 1965 and the following year Aspmyra Stadion was ready for use.

Initially it was built as an athletic stadium with two stands placed on the sides, behind the running track. Smaller terrace was in the south, while the larger north one was topped by a covered and seated main grandstand for some 2,500 people.

It survived in this configuration until Bodø/Glimt decided to take over in late 1990s. In 1999 the municipality sold its primary stadium to the club, who demolished the running track and pledged to build a new athletic stadium somewhere else, not to leave local runners without a venue.

That same year construction began on new stands, eventually built on three sides. Plans were more impressive than what we can see now, but key features remain, like vast commercial spaces in the south stand or apartments in the west end. Those secondary uses were included to help finance the project, estimated to cost NOK 140 million.

Along with new stands and football-specific layout, new floodlight masts came. Well, new for Bodø, but new overall – they were bought from the national Ullevaal stadium. Later, by late 2005, artificial turf was installed to better cope with harsh northern winters.

Eventually the stadium was bought back by the municipality in 2011, easing the club that got into financial trouble after 2008 renovation. Those works were financed with grants that were deemed illegal a year later, forcing the team to return all funds.

In its history the stadium saw some memorable clashes, including ties against European greats like Napoli, Inter or Besiktas. But the all-time attendance record dates back to 1975, when a domestic cup game against Viking drew people even from distant parts of the country.