Ullevaal Stadion

Ullevaal Stadion stands in Oslo’s Nordre Aker district, a large all-seater football stadium surrounded by commercial buildings, a bandy field and a shopping mall. It opened in 1926 with a running track and space for about 35,000 spectators. The national stadium is fully owned by the Football Association of Norway and serves as the home ground of the Norway national football team. It has also hosted the Norwegian Cup Final every year since 1948. The record crowd of 35,495 watched Norway play Sweden in 1935. The stadium has been steadily upgraded since the 1980s, starting with the single-tier West Stand in 1985 and continuing with the two-tier North and East Stands in 1990 and the South Stand in 1998. In 1987 it hosted the UEFA Women’s Euro final where Norway beat Sweden 2–0. The running track was removed during the 1990 renovations, turning Ullevaal into a pure football stadium. Plans now call for a new West Stand to raise capacity to 30,000 and possibly add a retractable roof. Visitors find a modern football ground with four covered stands, luxury boxes and a section reserved for the royal family. The stadium is linked to Ullevål Stadion Station on the Oslo Metro and sits beside the Ring 3 motorway. Inside the complex are the headquarters of many sports federations, a bandy field and commercial space including a conference centre and hotel. Outside, the surrounding area offers cafés, shops and easy access to the city centre.