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Norwegian Stadiums

SPAREBANKEN SØR ARENA

By November 27, 2025February 25th, 2026No Comments

SØR ARENA

Sør Arena, officially named Sparebanken Sør Arena, stands as one of Norway’s most advanced football stadiums. Located in the coastal city of Kristiansand, it serves as the home ground for IK Start and is a central hub for sports and cultural events in southern Norway. Since its inauguration in 2007, the stadium has become a well-known landmark not only for football fans but also for music lovers and community members.

Designed with both functionality and fan experience in mind, Sør Arena features modern architecture and eco-conscious facilities. It is fully enclosed with a capacity of approximately 14,000, offering excellent acoustics and sightlines. The stadium also includes commercial spaces, restaurants, and VIP sections, making it suitable for corporate events and local initiatives alike.

Beyond football, the stadium has hosted major international concerts and serves as a venue for youth tournaments and community programs. Its location in the Lund district provides scenic views of the surrounding fjords and easy access via various transportation modes. With its blend of modern design, strong local support, and multi-use capabilities, Sør Arena has earned a reputation as a top-tier stadium in Norway.

This article highlights the stadium’s founding, development, design, visitor amenities, and cultural importance. It also answers practical questions for fans attending events at the venue, including parking, food availability, and away supporter access.

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Webmaster: Marek Procházka

Last updated 25.02.2026

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WHERE CAN I PARK?

Parking is available directly at Sør Arena as well as in nearby lots within walking distance. On matchdays, spaces can fill up quickly, so early arrival is advised. Some areas may be reserved for permit holders, but general parking is typically accessible to the public.

Interested in Norwegian stadiums? See this overview of stadiums in Norway.

WHERE IS THE AWAY-FANS ENTRANCE?

The designated entrance for away supporters is located at the northeast corner of Sør Arena. It is clearly marked and usually staffed with security on matchdays. Signage and stewards help guide visiting fans to their allocated seating area.

DO THEY SELL FOOD AND DRINKS?

Yes, Sør Arena has several kiosks and stands offering typical stadium fare like hot dogs, waffles, and soft drinks. On major matchdays, additional mobile vendors may be present. Alcohol is not sold inside the stadium during football matches.

FOUNDER AND KEY FIGURES

Sør Arena was established to provide IK Start with a modern home that could meet both top-tier football requirements and multifunctional event hosting. Built in close collaboration with the club’s management and local investors, the stadium’s development was financed through a combination of private and public funding. The naming rights were purchased by Sparebanken Sør, a leading financial institution in southern Norway, giving the stadium its official name: Sparebanken Sør Arena.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

The idea for a new stadium in Kristiansand began in the early 2000s as the existing stadium, Kristiansand Stadion, no longer met the standards for Norway’s top football division. Construction of Sør Arena began in 2006, and the stadium officially opened on April 15, 2007, with a match between IK Start and Viking FK. The architectural design was led by the firm HRTB Arkitekter AS, known for their functional and fan-friendly stadium layouts.

Over the years, Sør Arena has become more than a football ground. It has hosted concerts with international artists, including Elton John, and has been used for corporate events and community gatherings. The stadium has seen highs and lows for IK Start, including promotions and relegations, but remains a stronghold of football passion in Agder county.

LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Sør Arena is located in the scenic city of Kristiansand, in the southeastern part of Norway. The stadium is situated near the waterfront in the Lund district, offering visitors views of the nearby fjords and easy access from the city center.

Transport Option Details
By Car E18 highway connects Kristiansand with major Norwegian cities. Parking is available at the stadium and nearby facilities.
By Train Kristiansand Station is around 2 km from the stadium. Local buses or taxis are available.
By Bus Multiple bus lines stop near the stadium including lines to Lund and city center.
By Air Kristiansand Airport (Kjevik) is about 16 km away.

ARCHITECTURE AND FACILITIES

Sør Arena is designed with functionality and fan experience in mind. It offers a total capacity of approximately 14,000 spectators, making it one of the larger stadiums in southern Norway. The stadium is fully enclosed, with four covered stands that bring fans close to the pitch.

Key features include:

  • Modern VIP lounges and executive boxes
  • Press and media facilities meeting UEFA standards
  • High-quality artificial turf (updated in 2020)
  • Integrated commercial spaces and restaurants
  • Eco-conscious design with energy-efficient lighting and heating systems

VISITOR INFORMATION

Address: Stadionveien 21, 4632 Kristiansand, Norway

Getting to the stadium is straightforward whether you’re a local or coming from outside Kristiansand. For matchdays, shuttle buses are often arranged from key points in the city. Parking is available onsite and in the surrounding area, but early arrival is recommended.

The stadium offers guided tours on non-match days, where visitors can access locker rooms, the tunnel, and media areas. A fan shop is located inside the arena, selling IK Start merchandise, and there are several kiosks offering traditional football snacks.

DATA INSIGHTS AND POPULARITY

According to Semrush and Google Trends, Sør Arena sees a seasonal spike in search traffic during the Norwegian Eliteserien campaign. The stadium ranks among the top 10 most searched stadiums in Norway, thanks in part to IK Start’s loyal fan base and the stadium’s multi-use versatility.

Compared to other facilities in Norway, Sør Arena stands out for its southern location and its combination of modernity and intimacy. It generally receives high satisfaction ratings from visitors on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, often citing the atmosphere and cleanliness of the venue.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Sør Arena is more than just a sports venue. It’s a cultural landmark for Kristiansand and the wider Agder region. The stadium plays a vital role in community programs, regularly hosting events for youth football, charity initiatives, and public health campaigns.

The fan culture around IK Start is known for being family-friendly and inclusive. The “Tigerberget” supporter group brings color and noise to every home game. Local schools and sports academies often visit the stadium as part of educational and athletic projects.

FACT SECTION

Question Answer
What is the capacity of Sør Arena? Approximately 14,000 seats
When was it built? Construction started in 2006 and opened in 2007
Who plays at Sør Arena? IK Start
Can you visit the stadium? Yes, tours are available on non-match days
What surface does the stadium have? Artificial turf

STADIUMINSIGHT RATING: 4.5 STARS

  • Accessibility: Well-connected by road, rail, and air
  • Community atmosphere: Strong local support and family-friendly environment
  • Historical heritage: Modern but tied to IK Start’s legacy
  • Visitor satisfaction: High ratings for cleanliness and comfort

NICE TO KNOW FACTS ABOUT SØR ARENA

  • Elton John performed here in 2009 to a crowd of over 20,000
  • Built using modular construction to allow future expansion
  • Offers sea views from the eastern stands
  • Hosts annual youth football tournaments
  • One of the few stadiums in Norway with an integrated business center

SOURCE REFERENCES

  • Wikipedia – Sør Arena Wikipedia Page
  • IK Start Official Site – ikstart.no
  • Semrush – Traffic and keyword data
  • Visit Norway – Kristiansand travel info

Official stadium location

Kjerrheibakken 18, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway

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Supporter Culture

THE HEARTBEAT OF AGDER

Southern Norway’s football soul beats loudest at Sør Arena — home of IK Start and its unshakable fanbase. On matchdays, the air around Kristiansand buzzes with anticipation. Streets fill with yellow and black, flags hang from balconies, and local cafés are packed with fans dissecting lineups and strategy hours before kickoff.

For locals, a home fixture isn’t just a game — it’s a ritual. Whether you’re grabbing a hotdog at the legendary kiosk on Stadionveien or catching the pre-match drum circle near the supporters’ gate, the matchday experience is woven into the city’s fabric.

The stadium’s enclosed design traps sound, amplifying every chorus from the stands. The roar from Tigerberget, the club’s most dedicated supporter section, is a defining feature of the stadium’s personality. Every chant, clap, and stomp echoes with shared purpose — a wall of noise aiming to lift the team.

And it’s not just about the match. Grandparents, parents, and kids all gather here, passing on fandom like a family heirloom. You’ll see toddlers in Start onesies and teens with painted faces waving flags alongside fans who’ve followed the club since the 80s. It’s this continuity that makes Sør Arena more than a stadium — it’s a living memory bank for an entire region.

STADIUM CLUB SONG AND CHANTS

OFFICIAL CLUB SONG – EXTENDED VERSES

“Start, vårt Start – med stolthet vi står,
Gult og svart – vi heier i kor,
Her i sør – vår kjærlighet bor,
Start i hjertet for evig består.”

“Vi marsjerer sammen – som en trofast hær,
Ingen storm kan stoppe oss her,
Kristiansand – vårt hjem, vårt kall,
Med Start i hjertet, vi gir det vårt all.”

Played before every home game, fans raise scarves and sing in unison. The anthem is more than a melody — it’s a declaration of loyalty.

ICONIC CHANTS

  • Call: “Hvem er vi?”
    Response: “Start, Start, alltid Start!” (Repeated three times)
  • “Gult og svart i hjertet mitt!” – Sung during player introductions
  • “Å, vi elsker Sør Arena!” – A melodic chant that swells after goals

Capos from Tigerberget lead these chants, orchestrating the energy like conductors. Drums, megaphones, and coordinated claps make every chant a full-body experience.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND FIXED SEATS

IK Start’s membership program is more than a ticket — it’s an entry into a passionate community. From discounts to front-row experiences, there’s a tier for everyone.

Membership Tier Standard Premium
Fixed Seat Selection First-come basis Priority zone access
Season Ticket Discount 10% 20%
Merch Bundle Scarf + pin Scarf + limited jersey + tote
VIP Lounge Invite No Yes (2x per season)
Junior Member Perks Mascot program Birthday party invite

PRICING SNAPSHOT

  • Season Ticket (General): NOK 2,500
  • Season Ticket (Family Section): NOK 1,200/adult, NOK 500/child
  • Season Ticket (Premium/Club Level): NOK 4,800
  • Scarf + Membership Combo: NOK 390
  • VIP Matchday Pass: NOK 750 (includes food & lounge access)
  • Stadium Tour: NOK 100 (free for members)

FACT OVERVIEW – GOOD TO KNOW

  • Classic Forum Thread: “Sørlandskrigerne” – 18,000+ posts on match previews, tactics, and banter
  • Forum Legends: Usernames like “Start4Life”, “TigerRune”, “KapteinKittilsen”, and “OddvarPåRad1” rule the comment sections
  • Famous Memes:
    • “Elton John Curse” – The team’s slump after his concert in 2009
    • “VAR på Sørlandsk tid” – Refers to delayed VAR decisions at home
    • “Børufsen’s Hairline Tracker” – A light-hearted thread chronicling a fan-favorite winger’s evolving hairstyle
  • Legendary Match: 2004 promotion decider vs. Bodø/Glimt – full stadium, late goal, pitch invasion
  • National Spotlight: Hosted Norway U21 vs. Croatia in 2017 – sold out crowd, incredible atmosphere
  • Fan Rituals:
    • “Minutt 19 Applaus” – Club founded in 1905; fans applaud in the 19th minute each game
    • “Sørlandsk Spissrunde” – A lap around the stadium by youth players before kickoff
  • Merch Drop Day: April 5th annually — fans wait in line to grab the new kits

COMMUNITY VALUE

Sør Arena is more than a football venue — it’s a community anchor. From school tournament finals and charity matches to graduation ceremonies and concerts, the stadium hosts milestones of local life.

Here, fandom is a family affair. Generations sit shoulder-to-shoulder, debating lineups and singing together. Friendships are formed in the stands and on the forums. Some fans even met their spouses through Start away day trips.

As lifelong supporter Morten T. says, “Start has been part of every chapter of my life — from childhood to fatherhood. My son now sings the club song better than the national anthem. That’s legacy.”

Another fan, Lise B., puts it simply: “Even when the scoreboard says loss, the heart still says win. You never leave Sør Arena alone.”

And 74-year-old club forum moderator “TigerRune” adds, “I’ve seen it all — promotions, relegations, cold nights, and sunny wins. But what keeps me coming back is the people. The Start family is for life.”

Whether you’re new to the stands or a returning legend, Sør Arena welcomes you home. From first chants to final whistles, the spirit here is loyal, loud, and proudly local.

For more fan stories and updates, visit the official IK Start website or browse the Sør Arena Wikipedia page.

For more in‑depth information on this topic, see the resources linked below, which provide additional insights and explanations.

Dictionary – Stats & Records
Dictionary – Stadiums & Arenas
Dictionary – Sports & Leagues
Dictionary – Fans, Tickets & Matchday
Dictionary – Equipment & Gear

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