Lerkendal Stadion (Trondheim)

The Lerkendal Stadion is an all-seater football stadium located at Lerkendal in Trondheim, Norway. The home ground of the Eliteserien (2017) side Rosenborg BK, it has a capacity for 21,405 spectators, making it the second-largest football stadium in the country.

General information

Arena capacity: 21,405 spectators

Address: Klæbuveien 125, 7031 Trondheim, Norway

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 63°24′44″N 10°24′16″E

Year of construction: 10 August 1947

Construction cost: NOK 335 million

Field: Desso GrassMaster with dimensions of 105 m × 68 m (115 yd × 74 yd)

Seating plan of Lerkendal Stadion

Lerkendal Stadion consists of four, three-tier grandstand without corners. The stadium has a capacity for 21,405 spectators, of which 1,338 are in club seating and luxury boxes on the center tier of all four stands. The Hent Stand on the north side of the pitch, built in 1996, is the largest and the only to have red seats. It holds a capacity of 7,457 spectators. Originally named the Adidas Stand, it was renamed before the 2013-season.

Opposite lies the EiendomsMegler1 Stand, which was completed in 2002. In addition to change rooms and an honor stand, it has a capacity for 6,194 spectators. The Rema Stand to the west, opened in 2001, houses the supporter shop, a pizza restaurant and commercial offices. The upper tier has since its opening been used as a family tier. While the lower tier was used by Kjernen, Rosenborg’s singing supporters.

Since Kjernen in 2009 moved to the upper tier of the opposite Adressa Stand, the whole Rema Stand has been used as a family stand. The Adressa Stand opened at the same time, and both have a seating capacity for 3,810 people. The latter hosts office space for Rosenborg Arena and the football district, as well as change rooms for the training pitch. The upper tier is used by Kjernen, Rosenborg’s supporter club.

The lower tier was earlier used by the away fans. But after Kjernen’s move to the upper tier, the away fans was moved to the western end of the Hent stand.

Where to buy tickets?

Tickets for Rosenborg games can be purchased online, by phone, at the RBK Shop at the stadium, or (generally) at Narvesen and 7-Eleven stores.

Matchday tickets can also be bought at the gates of the stadium on the day of the match. Rosenborg rarely sells out.

Ticket prices depend on the opponent, but typically range between NOK 160.00 and NOK 395.00.

How to get there?

Lerkendal Stadion is located toward the south of the city of Trondheim, about 2 kilometres from the city centre and slightly further from the main rail station.

The walk to the stadium, which should take about 30 minutes, goes in one straight line following Prinsens Gate and Elgeseter Gate south.

Alternatively, take bus 8, 55, 60, or 66 from Munkegata (or Prinsens Gate) in the city centre. The ride only takes about 5 minutes. Get off at stop Lerkendal Stadion.

There are however many more buses that pass at close distance from the stadium. Any bus stopping at Prof Brochs Gate will do.

Where to eat?

Lerkendal Stadion is located in a quiet neighbourhood consisting of mostly residential houses and some offices. There are few local chain restaurants in the area if you need a quick bit, but there are many more options in Trondheim’s city centre.

If you are looking to stay close to the stadium, then the well-rated Scandic Lerkendal right next to the stadium will be your pick. Hotel St. Olav is another option a 15-minute walk away on the way from the city centre.

Pitch

The pitch has Desso GrassMaster, a natural grass pitch with artificial fibers sown in for increase strength. This includes an automatic watering system and a built-in heating 25 centimeters (9.8 in) below the surface.

The stadium is part of Lerkendal idrettspark, which also consists of three training pitches, two in full size and of which one has artificial turf. The main training pitch is the natural grass Skoglunden, while the artificial turf venue is Lerkendal kunstgress.

The two pitches both have flood lighting, heating and are often used for matches by Rosenborg’s recruit and reserve teams.

History

Lerkendal Stadion opened on 10 August 1947, but was at its inauguration just a pitch with a few makeshift stands.

When in the early 1960s Rosenborg celebrated various successes and its popularity increased rapidly, a first major upgrade became necessary. Between 1961 and 1963 two new concrete stands were built and a few years later floodlights were installed.

Few changes were made to the stadium though until the club qualified for the Champions League in 1995 and had to settle for a heavily reduced capacity (due to safety requirements). One year later, in 1996, a new stand (Adidas Stand) opened, though capacity remained limited with 14,000 places.

Soon Champions League money started flowing in and funding became available for a major redevelopment. Two new stands opened in 2001 and in the following year a new main stand was built opposite the Adidas Stand.

The new Lerkendal Stadion, which had cost a total of NOK 252 million, officially opened on 6 October 2002 with a match against Stabæk. The stadium has a total of 1,338 VIP seats.