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{{short description|Football stadium in Tromsø, Norway}}
{{Infobox stadium
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Alfheim
| stadium_name = Romssa Arena
| nickname =
| nickname =
| image = Alfheim stadion facade.JPG
| image = Alfheim stadion facade.JPG
| image_size = 300px
| image_size = 250px
| location = [[Tromsø]], [[Norway]]
| caption = Romssa Arena, 2007
| location = [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], [[Norway]]
| broke_ground =
| broke_ground =
| opened = 1987
| opened = 1987
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| owner = [[Tromsø I.L.|Tromsø IL]]
| owner = [[Tromsø IL]]
| operator = Tromsø IL
| operator = Tromsø IL
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
| surface = [[FieldTurf]]
Line 15: Line 17:
| architect =
| architect =
| former_names =
| former_names =
| tenants = [[Tromsø IL]] (1987–''present'') <br />[[Tromsdalen UIL]] (2019–''present'')
| tenants = [[Tromsø IL]] (1987–''present'')
| capacity = 6,801<ref name="Fakta Alfheim stadion">{{cite web| url= http://www.til.no/om-stadion/alfheim-stadion |title= Alfheim stadion |publisher=[[Tromsø IL]] |accessdate=5 December 2016 |language=Norwegian}}</ref>
| capacity = 6,687<ref name="Fakta Alfheim stadion">{{cite web| url= http://www.til.no/om-stadion/alfheim-stadion |title= Alfheim stadion |publisher=[[Tromsø IL]] |access-date=14 April 2019 |language=no}}</ref>
| dimensions = {{convert|105|x|68|m|yd|1}}<ref name="Fakta Alfheim stadion">{{cite web| url= http://www.til.no/om-stadion/alfheim-stadion |title= Alfheim stadion |publisher=[[Tromsø IL]] |accessdate=5 December 2016 |language=Norwegian}}</ref>
| dimensions = {{convert|105|x|68|m|yd|1}}<ref name="Fakta Alfheim stadion">{{cite web| url= http://www.til.no/om-stadion/alfheim-stadion |title= Alfheim stadion |publisher=[[Tromsø IL]] |access-date=14 April 2019 |language=no}}</ref>
}}
}}
[[File:Estadio Alfheim, Tromsø, Noruega, 2019-09-04, DD 32.jpg|thumb|View of the stadium from [[Mount Fløya]].]]

'''Alfheim Stadion''' is [[association football|football]] stadium located in [[Tromsø]], [[Norway]] and home of [[Norwegian Premier League]] side [[Tromsø IL]]. Alfheim has a seating capacity of 6,801 and [[artificial turf]]. It is the second northern-most stadium to have been used in [[European football]], after the [[Finnmarkshallen]], which is located 107 miles to the northeast in [[Alta, Norway]], and is home to [[Alta IF]].
'''Romssa Arena''', previously known as '''Alfheim Stadion''', is a [[association football|football]] stadium located in [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], [[Norway]] and home of [[Eliteserien]] side [[Tromsø IL]]. Romssa Arena has a seating capacity of 6,801 and [[artificial turf]]. It is the second northernmost stadium to have been used in [[European football]], after the [[Finnmarkshallen]], which is located {{convert|170|km}} to the northeast in [[Alta (town)|Alta]], and is home to [[Alta IF]].


==History==
==History==
The Alfheim area, previously used as a recreational area, was bought by the municipality in 1954. Construction of the first sports venue in 1960 at the same time at a new handball and ice hockey field at Nedre Elvebakken. Also a swimming pool was built at Alfheim.<ref>Ytreberg: 696</ref> From the mid-1960s Tromsø had three main football venues: Alfheim, [[Valhall Stadion]] and [[Tromsdalen Stadion]]. TIL's path to the top league started in the 1970s with the hiring of [[Peter Drecker]] as manager. In the early in 1980s the team established itself in the Second Division and the need for an upgraded stadium arose. From 1981 to 1986 the club's revenue increased from 1.2 to 4.2 million [[Norwegian krone]] (NOK) and the club became professional from 1985.<ref>Tjelmeland: 457</ref> The first major upgrade to a sports complex had been Tromsdalen Stadion in 1983, which was largely financed by the municipality but owned and operated [[Tromsdalen UIL]].<ref name=t455>Tjelmeland: 455</ref>
The Alfheim area, previously used as a recreational area, was bought by the municipality in 1954. Construction of the first sports venue began in 1960 at the same time as a new handball and ice hockey field at Nedre Elvebakken. A swimming pool was also built at Alfheim.<ref>Ytreberg: 696</ref> From the mid-1960s Tromsø had three main football venues: Alfheim, [[Valhall Stadion]] and [[Tromsdalen Stadion]]. TIL's path to the top league started in the 1970s with the hiring of [[Peter Drecker]] as manager. In the early 1980s the team established itself in the Second Division and the need for an upgraded stadium arose. From 1981 to 1986 the club's revenue increased from 1.2 to 4.2 million [[Norwegian krone]] (NOK) and the club became professional from 1985.<ref>Tjelmeland: 457</ref> The first major upgrade to a sports complex had been Tromsdalen Stadion in 1983, which was largely financed by the municipality but owned and operated [[Tromsdalen UIL]].<ref name=t455>Tjelmeland: 455</ref>

⚫
A similar cooperation between the municipality and the club was established in regard to upgrading Alfheim and the stadium was spun off as a separate limited company with TIL as the majority and the municipality as a minority shareholder.<ref name=t455 /> The company leased Alfheim for fifteen years and spent NOK&nbsp;10 million on the Alfheim upgrades. Part of the financing was secured from private donors.<ref>{{cite news |title=En halv million til Tromsø IL |date=31 October 1986 |publisher=[[Norwegian News Agency]] |language=no}}</ref> Ahead of the 1986 season, the first in the First Division, Tromsø played its matches at Valhall while Alfheim was being upgraded.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tromsø er i farta! |last=Hole |first=Arne |date=26 April 1986 |page=23 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref>


⚫
TIL played an exhibition match against Germany's [[1. FC Nürnberg]] on 22 July 1987, but chose to play it at Valhall instead of Alfheim to spare the pitch.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ikke bare en dans på roser... |last=Siem |first=Kjetil |author-link=Kjetil Siem |date=23 July 1987 |page=22 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref> The opening match took place against England's [[Queens Park Rangers]] on 27 July 1987, with TIL losing 0–1 in front of 2,700 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Suverene, men målløse |date=27 July 1987 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref> On 26 August Norway's Olympic football team played 0–0 against Switzerland in front of 4,000 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Oppvisningen som uteble |last=Johansen |first=Magne |date=27 August 1987 |page=22 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref> Tromsø played [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]] on 30 September 1987 in the [[1987–88 European Cup Winners' Cup]], which became the northernmost location of a [[European football]] match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Historisk europacup |last=Siem |first=Kjetil |author-link=Kjetil Siem |date=30 September 1987 |page=19 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref> The teams tied 0–0 and Tromsø did not advance.<ref>{{cite news |title=For dårlig spill, TIL |last=Hansen |first=Espen |date=1 October 1987 |page=21 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no}}</ref> The municipality had to save the stadium company from bankruptcy through a private placement in 1992, thus becoming a majority shareholder.<ref name=t455 /> In a 2012 survey carried out by the [[Norwegian Players' Association]] among away-team captains, Alfheim was ranked seventh amongst league stadiums, with a score of 3.60 on a scale from one to five.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_trondelag/1.8836297 |title=Lerkendal nest beste fotballbane |publisher=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=28 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201233031/http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_trondelag/1.8836297 |language=no |archive-date=1 December 2012 |access-date=30 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
A similar cooperation between the municipality and the club was established in regard to upgrading Alfheim and the stadium was spun off as a separate limited company with TIL as the majority and the municipality as a minority shareholder.<ref name=t455 /> The company leased Alfheim for fifteen years and spent NOK&nbsp;10 million on the Alfheim upgrades. Part of the financing was secured from private donors.<ref>{{cite news |title=En halv million til Tromsø IL |date=31 October 1986 |publisher=[[Norwegian News Agency]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> Ahead of the 1986 season, the first in the First Division, Tromsø played its matches at Valhall while Alfheim was being upgraded.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tromsø er i farta! |last=Hole |first=Arne |date=26 April 1986 |page=23 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref>


In 2023 the stadium naming rights were bought for five years by local power company Troms Kraft, who changed the name from Alfheim Stadion to Romssa Arena. {{lang|se|Romsa}} is the [[Northern Sámi]] name for Tromsø. The name was chosen to promote [[Sámi people|Sámi]] visibility.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/alfheim-stadion-skifter-navn-til-romssa-arena-1.16355939 | title=Alfheim stadion skifter navn til Romssa Arena | date=29 March 2023 }}</ref>
⚫
TIL played an exhibition match against Germany's [[1. FC Nürnberg]] on 22 July 1987, but chose to play it at Valhall instead of Alfheim to spare the pitch.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ikke bare en dans på roser... |last=Siem |first=Kjetil |authorlink=Kjetil Siem |date=23 July 1987 |page=22 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> The opening match took place against England's [[Queens Park Rangers]] on 27 July 1987, with TIL losing 0–1 in front of 2,700 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Suverene, men målløse |date=27 July 1987 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> On 26 August Norway's Olympic football team played 0–0 against Switzerland in front of 4,000 spectators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Oppvisningen som uteble |last=Johansen |first=Magne |date=27 August 1987 |page=22 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> Tromsø played [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]] on 30 September 1987 in the [[1987–88 European Cup Winners' Cup]], which became the northern-most location of a [[European football]] match.<ref>{{cite news |title=Historisk europacup |last=Siem |first=Kjetil |authorlink=Kjetil Siem |date=30 September 1987 |page=19 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> The teams tied 0–0 and Tromsø did not advance.<ref>{{cite news |title=For dårlig spill, TIL |last=Hansen |first=Espen |date=1 October 1987 |page=21 |work=[[Aftenposten]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> The municipality had to save the stadium company from bankruptcy through a private placement in 1992, thus becoming a majority shareholder.<ref name=t455 /> In a 2012 survey carried out by the [[Norwegian Players' Association]] among away-team captains, Alfheim was ranked seventh amongst league stadiums, with a score of 3.60 on a scale from one to five.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_trondelag/1.8836297 |title=Lerkendal nest beste fotballbane |publisher=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=28 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6CYl4tTGG?url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_trondelag/1.8836297 |language=Norwegian |archivedate=30 November 2012 |accessdate=30 November 2012 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>


== The pitch ==
== The pitch ==
[[File:Tromso's Artificial Pitch.JPG|thumb|Tromso's Artificial Pitch|left]]
[[File:Tromso's Artificial Pitch.JPG|thumb|Tromsø's Artificial Pitch|left]]


Alfheim has a playing surface made of [[artificial turf]] with [[under-soil heating]]. It had natural grass until 2006. However, the condition of the pitch, especially during the winter months, received considerable criticism from sports pundits and visiting managers. Usually in October, when the Norwegian Premier League is in its last rounds, winter sets in Tromsø. This, along with the wear and tear from football matches and practicing sessions, caused the grass to disappear and reduced the pitch to a muddy field. To make up for this, Tromsø I.L. installed [[artificial turf]] at the stadium during the [[Football World Cup 2006|2006 World Cup]] in [[Germany]]. Funding for the turf came from contributions to the club from several businesses in Tromsø, including 7.5 million [[Norwegian kroner|NOK]] from an anonymous donor. The artificial turf laid in 2006 was replaced with a new one in June 2010 after taking much criticism.
Romssa Arena has a playing surface made of [[artificial turf]] with [[under-soil heating]]. It had natural grass until 2006. However, the condition of the pitch, especially during the winter months, received considerable criticism from sports pundits and visiting managers. Usually in October, when the Norwegian top division is in its last rounds, winter sets in Tromsø. This, along with the wear and tear from football matches and practicing sessions, caused the grass to disappear and reduced the pitch to a muddy field. To make up for this, Tromsø IL installed [[artificial turf]] at the stadium during the [[Football World Cup 2006|2006 World Cup]] in [[Germany]]. Funding for the turf came from contributions to the club from several businesses in Tromsø, including 7.5 million [[Norwegian kroner|NOK]] from an anonymous donor. The artificial turf laid in 2006 was replaced with a new one in June 2010 after taking much criticism.


== The stands ==
== The stands ==
The East stand is an all seated covered stand which can accommodate about 2000 people. This stand was built in the mid-eighties and is the oldest stand at Alfheim. It houses the clubs offices. At the back of the stand there is a row of executive boxes. Some controversy surrounded the East Stand during the [[Norwegian Premier League 2004|2004-season]]. [[Ringnes]], a Norwegian [[brewery]], complained about the clubs [[S.K. Brann]] and [[Tromsø I.L.]] being sponsored by the breweries [[Hansa (brewery)|Hansa Borg]] and [[Mack Brewery]] respectively. Advertising for [[alcohol]] is illegal in Norway. The result of this complaint for Tromsø I.L. was that the club had to remove all advertisements for Mack, including the seating arrangement on one of the stands that spelled out Mack. The seats were changed, making the stands spell out "Tack" instead. Tack is a play on words, since it resembles the word Takk, Norwegian for "thank you", a gesture from Tromsø I.L. thanking Mack for the co-operation through a great deal of years. Ahead of the [[Norwegian Premier League 2005|2005-season]], the former Mack-stands had been renamed to the Coop-stands, being sponsored by the Norwegian [[convenience store]] chain Coop.
The East stand is an all seated covered stand which can accommodate about 2000 people. This stand was built in the mid-eighties and is the oldest stand at Romssa Arena. It houses the clubs offices. At the back of the stand there is a row of executive boxes. Some controversy surrounded the East Stand during the [[2004 Tippeligaen|2004 season]]. [[Ringnes]], a Norwegian [[brewery]], complained about the clubs [[S.K. Brann]] and [[Tromsø IL]] being sponsored by the breweries [[Hansa (brewery)|Hansa Borg]] and [[Mack Brewery]] respectively. Advertising for [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] is illegal in Norway. The result of this complaint for Tromsø IL was that the club had to remove all advertisements for Mack, including the seating arrangement on one of the stands that spelled out Mack. The seats were changed, making the stands spell out "Tack" instead. Tack is a play on words, since it resembles the word Takk, Norwegian for "thank you", a gesture from Tromsø IL thanking Mack for the co-operation through a great deal of years. Ahead of the [[2005 Tippeligaen|2005 season]], the former Mack-stands had been renamed to the Coop-stands, being sponsored by the Norwegian [[convenience store]] chain Coop.
The West Stand was rebuilt during the 2005-season, meaning both sides now are seated and covered. Before the rebuilding the West Stand was an uncovered wooden stand. The West Stand has a capacity of approximately 4000, making it the largest stand at Alfheim. There are three media gantries suspended from the roof of the West Stand.
The West Stand was rebuilt during the 2005-season, meaning both sides now are seated and covered. Before the rebuilding the West Stand was an uncovered wooden stand. The West Stand has a capacity of approximately 4000, making it the largest stand at Romssa Arena. There are three media gantries suspended from the roof of the West Stand.


Straddling the middle of the south end and running for two thirds of the length is an uncovered family stand which seats approximately 600 people. Ahead of the 2011 season this stand replaced most of the 1500 capacity temporary uncovered stand. A part of the old stand remains next to the family stand towards the east stand. This part has no seating and can hold about 200 visiting supporters, leaving them with the worst facilities at Alfheim. The South Stand is closed for matches in European cup tournaments due to safety regulations imposed by [[UEFA]].
Straddling the middle of the south end and running for two thirds of the length is an uncovered family stand which seats approximately 600 people. Ahead of the 2011 season this stand replaced most of the 1500 capacity temporary uncovered stand. A part of the old stand remains next to the family stand towards the east stand. This part has no seating and can hold about 200 visiting supporters, leaving them with the worst facilities at Romssa Arena. The South Stand is closed for matches in European cup tournaments due to safety regulations imposed by [[UEFA]].


Until August 2007 there was a temporary uncovered stand at the north end which ran for about two thirds of the pitch, this was dismantled to allow place for a stage during a music festival. The north end is now filled with advertising hoardings. In 2010 the scoreboard and stadium clock at the north end were replaced with a large video screen i the north east corner. Set back from the pitch at the north end is ''TIL-huset'', a building that previously housed the teams changing rooms.
Until August 2007 there was a temporary uncovered stand at the north end which ran for about two thirds of the pitch, this was dismantled to allow place for a stage during a music festival. The north end is now filled with advertising hoardings. In 2010 the scoreboard and stadium clock at the north end were replaced with a large video screen in the north east corner. Set back from the pitch at the north end is ''TIL-huset'', a building that previously housed the teams' changing rooms.
{{Gallery|width=180|lines=2|
{{Gallery|width=180|
File:Alfheim Stadion east stand.JPG|The East Stand|
File:Alfheim Stadion east stand.JPG|The East Stand|
File:South Stand.JPG|The South Stand|
File:South Stand.JPG|The South Stand|
Line 54: Line 58:


== Fort Alfheim ==
== Fort Alfheim ==
Because of Tromsø I.L.'s good home record in many seasons in the Eliteserie (for example, 10 wins in 13 matches in the 2004 season), Alfheim Stadium has been given the nickname ''Fort Alfheim'', building on the image of Alfheim Stadium as being impregnable. [[Chelsea F.C.]], [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]], [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Besiktas]] and [[Red Star Belgrade]] have all experienced losing to Tromsø I.L. at Alfheim.
Because of Tromsø IL's good home record in many seasons in the Eliteserie (for example, 10 wins in 13 matches in the 2004 season), Romssa Arena has been given the nickname ''Fort Alfheim'', building on the image of the stadium as being impregnable. [[Chelsea F.C.]], [[Galatasaray S.K. (football team)|Galatasaray]], [[Beşiktaş J.K.|Besiktas]] and [[Red Star Belgrade]] have all experienced losing to Tromsø IL away.


==References==
==References==
Line 60: Line 64:


;Bibliography
;Bibliography
{{commons category|Tromsø Airport}}
{{commons category}}
* {{cite book |last=Tjelmeland |first=Halvard |title=Tromsø gjennom 10000 år: Fra byfolk og bona til tromsøværing 1945–1996 |year=1996 |location=Tromsø |publisher=Tromsø Municipality |volume=4 |language=Norwegian |isbn=82-993206-5-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Tjelmeland |first=Halvard |title=Tromsø gjennom 10000 år: Fra byfolk og bona til tromsøværing 1945–1996 |year=1996 |location=Tromsø |publisher=Tromsø Municipality |volume=4 |language=no |isbn=82-993206-5-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Ytreberg |first=N. A. |title=Tromsø bys historie |volume=3 |year=1971 |location=Tromsø |publisher=Reidar Hov |language=Norwegian}}
* {{cite book |last=Ytreberg |first=N. A. |title=Tromsø bys historie |volume=3 |year=1971 |location=Tromsø |publisher=Reidar Hov |language=no}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050213055833/http://www.til.no/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=238 360° panoramic view of the stands from the pitch]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050213055833/http://www.til.no/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=238 360° panoramic view of the stands from the pitch]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080224002959/http://www.isberget.no/tromso-il/alfheim/ Isbergets page about Alfheim] {{no icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080224002959/http://www.isberget.no/tromso-il/alfheim/ Isbergets page about Alfheim] {{in lang|no}}
* [http://www.nordicstadiums.com/alfheim-stadion/ Alfheim Stadion - Nordic Stadiums]


{{coord|69.648954|18.934582|display=title|format=dms|type:landmark_scale:3000}}
{{coord|69.648954|18.934582|display=title|format=dms|type:landmark_scale:3000}}


{{Tromsø IL}}
{{Tromsø IL}}
{{Norwegian First Division venues}}
{{Eliteserien venues}}

{{Norwegian Women's Premier League venues}}
{{Norwegian Premier League venues}}
{{Portal bar|Association football|Norway}}
{{Portal bar|Association football|Norway}}


[[Category:Sport in Tromsø]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Norway]]
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[[Category:Football venues in Norway]]
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[[Category:Eliteserien venues]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Tromsø]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Tromsø]]
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[[Category:Eliteserien venues]]
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[[Category:Football venues in Norway]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1963]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1963]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Norway]]
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[[Category:Tromsø IL]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Troms]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Troms]]
[[Category:Sport in Tromsø]]
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[[Category:Tromsø IL]]

Latest revision as of 21:35, 12 August 2024

Romssa Arena
Romssa Arena, 2007
Map
LocationTromsø, Norway
OwnerTromsø IL
OperatorTromsø IL
Capacity6,687[1]
Field size105 by 68 metres (114.8 yd × 74.4 yd)[1]
SurfaceFieldTurf
Opened1987
Tenants
Tromsø IL (1987–present)
View of the stadium from Mount Fløya.

Romssa Arena, previously known as Alfheim Stadion, is a football stadium located in Tromsø, Norway and home of Eliteserien side Tromsø IL. Romssa Arena has a seating capacity of 6,801 and artificial turf. It is the second northernmost stadium to have been used in European football, after the Finnmarkshallen, which is located 170 kilometres (110 mi) to the northeast in Alta, and is home to Alta IF.

History

[edit]

The Alfheim area, previously used as a recreational area, was bought by the municipality in 1954. Construction of the first sports venue began in 1960 at the same time as a new handball and ice hockey field at Nedre Elvebakken. A swimming pool was also built at Alfheim.[2] From the mid-1960s Tromsø had three main football venues: Alfheim, Valhall Stadion and Tromsdalen Stadion. TIL's path to the top league started in the 1970s with the hiring of Peter Drecker as manager. In the early 1980s the team established itself in the Second Division and the need for an upgraded stadium arose. From 1981 to 1986 the club's revenue increased from 1.2 to 4.2 million Norwegian krone (NOK) and the club became professional from 1985.[3] The first major upgrade to a sports complex had been Tromsdalen Stadion in 1983, which was largely financed by the municipality but owned and operated Tromsdalen UIL.[4]

A similar cooperation between the municipality and the club was established in regard to upgrading Alfheim and the stadium was spun off as a separate limited company with TIL as the majority and the municipality as a minority shareholder.[4] The company leased Alfheim for fifteen years and spent NOK 10 million on the Alfheim upgrades. Part of the financing was secured from private donors.[5] Ahead of the 1986 season, the first in the First Division, Tromsø played its matches at Valhall while Alfheim was being upgraded.[6]

TIL played an exhibition match against Germany's 1. FC Nürnberg on 22 July 1987, but chose to play it at Valhall instead of Alfheim to spare the pitch.[7] The opening match took place against England's Queens Park Rangers on 27 July 1987, with TIL losing 0–1 in front of 2,700 spectators.[8] On 26 August Norway's Olympic football team played 0–0 against Switzerland in front of 4,000 spectators.[9] Tromsø played St Mirren on 30 September 1987 in the 1987–88 European Cup Winners' Cup, which became the northernmost location of a European football match.[10] The teams tied 0–0 and Tromsø did not advance.[11] The municipality had to save the stadium company from bankruptcy through a private placement in 1992, thus becoming a majority shareholder.[4] In a 2012 survey carried out by the Norwegian Players' Association among away-team captains, Alfheim was ranked seventh amongst league stadiums, with a score of 3.60 on a scale from one to five.[12]

In 2023 the stadium naming rights were bought for five years by local power company Troms Kraft, who changed the name from Alfheim Stadion to Romssa Arena. Romsa is the Northern Sámi name for Tromsø. The name was chosen to promote Sámi visibility.[13]

The pitch

[edit]
Tromsø's Artificial Pitch

Romssa Arena has a playing surface made of artificial turf with under-soil heating. It had natural grass until 2006. However, the condition of the pitch, especially during the winter months, received considerable criticism from sports pundits and visiting managers. Usually in October, when the Norwegian top division is in its last rounds, winter sets in Tromsø. This, along with the wear and tear from football matches and practicing sessions, caused the grass to disappear and reduced the pitch to a muddy field. To make up for this, Tromsø IL installed artificial turf at the stadium during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Funding for the turf came from contributions to the club from several businesses in Tromsø, including 7.5 million NOK from an anonymous donor. The artificial turf laid in 2006 was replaced with a new one in June 2010 after taking much criticism.

The stands

[edit]

The East stand is an all seated covered stand which can accommodate about 2000 people. This stand was built in the mid-eighties and is the oldest stand at Romssa Arena. It houses the clubs offices. At the back of the stand there is a row of executive boxes. Some controversy surrounded the East Stand during the 2004 season. Ringnes, a Norwegian brewery, complained about the clubs S.K. Brann and Tromsø IL being sponsored by the breweries Hansa Borg and Mack Brewery respectively. Advertising for alcohol is illegal in Norway. The result of this complaint for Tromsø IL was that the club had to remove all advertisements for Mack, including the seating arrangement on one of the stands that spelled out Mack. The seats were changed, making the stands spell out "Tack" instead. Tack is a play on words, since it resembles the word Takk, Norwegian for "thank you", a gesture from Tromsø IL thanking Mack for the co-operation through a great deal of years. Ahead of the 2005 season, the former Mack-stands had been renamed to the Coop-stands, being sponsored by the Norwegian convenience store chain Coop. The West Stand was rebuilt during the 2005-season, meaning both sides now are seated and covered. Before the rebuilding the West Stand was an uncovered wooden stand. The West Stand has a capacity of approximately 4000, making it the largest stand at Romssa Arena. There are three media gantries suspended from the roof of the West Stand.

Straddling the middle of the south end and running for two thirds of the length is an uncovered family stand which seats approximately 600 people. Ahead of the 2011 season this stand replaced most of the 1500 capacity temporary uncovered stand. A part of the old stand remains next to the family stand towards the east stand. This part has no seating and can hold about 200 visiting supporters, leaving them with the worst facilities at Romssa Arena. The South Stand is closed for matches in European cup tournaments due to safety regulations imposed by UEFA.

Until August 2007 there was a temporary uncovered stand at the north end which ran for about two thirds of the pitch, this was dismantled to allow place for a stage during a music festival. The north end is now filled with advertising hoardings. In 2010 the scoreboard and stadium clock at the north end were replaced with a large video screen in the north east corner. Set back from the pitch at the north end is TIL-huset, a building that previously housed the teams' changing rooms.

  • The East Stand
    The East Stand
  • The South Stand
    The South Stand
  • The West Stand
    The West Stand
  • The West Stand on match day
    The West Stand on match day
  • Open North Stand
    Open North Stand

Details

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Records

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Record Attendance: 10,225 v Rosenborg on 15 August 1990 (quarter final in the Norwegian Cup)

Fort Alfheim

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Because of Tromsø IL's good home record in many seasons in the Eliteserie (for example, 10 wins in 13 matches in the 2004 season), Romssa Arena has been given the nickname Fort Alfheim, building on the image of the stadium as being impregnable. Chelsea F.C., Galatasaray, Besiktas and Red Star Belgrade have all experienced losing to Tromsø IL away.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Alfheim stadion" (in Norwegian). Tromsø IL. Retrieved 14 April 2019.
  2. ^ Ytreberg: 696
  3. ^ Tjelmeland: 457
  4. ^ a b c Tjelmeland: 455
  5. ^ "En halv million til Tromsø IL" (in Norwegian). Norwegian News Agency. 31 October 1986.
  6. ^ Hole, Arne (26 April 1986). "Tromsø er i farta!". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). p. 23.
  7. ^ Siem, Kjetil (23 July 1987). "Ikke bare en dans på roser...". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). p. 22.
  8. ^ "Suverene, men målløse". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). 27 July 1987.
  9. ^ Johansen, Magne (27 August 1987). "Oppvisningen som uteble". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). p. 22.
  10. ^ Siem, Kjetil (30 September 1987). "Historisk europacup". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). p. 19.
  11. ^ Hansen, Espen (1 October 1987). "For dårlig spill, TIL". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). p. 21.
  12. ^ "Lerkendal nest beste fotballbane" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 November 2012. Archived from the original on 1 December 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
  13. ^ "Alfheim stadion skifter navn til Romssa Arena". 29 March 2023.
Bibliography
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfheim stadion.
  • Tjelmeland, Halvard (1996). Tromsø gjennom 10000 år: Fra byfolk og bona til tromsøværing 1945–1996 (in Norwegian). Vol. 4. Tromsø: Tromsø Municipality. ISBN 82-993206-5-8.
  • Ytreberg, N. A. (1971). Tromsø bys historie (in Norwegian). Vol. 3. Tromsø: Reidar Hov.
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69°38′56″N 18°56′04″E / 69.648954°N 18.934582°E / 69.648954; 18.934582

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