Press release -
Arctic Soul vs. Riviera Riches: Bodø Glimt is ready to take on Monaco on the European Stage
Only 53,000 people live in the small Arctic city of Bodø - just enough to fill up a standard football stadium in Europe. Aspmyra, the home stadium, has space for just 8000 fans. There are no billionaires financing these players, just pure passion.
So how can a small team above the Arctic circle qualify for the best League in Europe? Is it the coastal landscape and harsh winds that made them strong? Is it the fresh water or access to sea food? Or is it the local people and culture that has bred these strong and talented players?
Owned by the members
Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt brought UEFA Champions League north of the Arctic Circle for the very first time. The club's success is not only a story about how greatness can grow in the most unlikely places, it's also a story about a progressive city, full of determined and creative people. The city went wild when Glimt fulfilled its dream of making it to the UEFA Champions League.
Watch the film here: Bodø Glimt in Champions League
On the verge of bankrupcy
Back in 2010, the club was on the verge of bankruptcy, players sometimes went months without salary, and the Northern Norwegians were forced to get creative to save their favourite team.Locals roamed the city for empty bottles to collect for deposit money, fishermen donated fish to the club to sell for profit, the local handball team donated its ticket revenue to Bodø/Glimt, and a massive fundraising push was announced on the local radio.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the team stands as the richest club in the Norwegian league, all thanks to its focus on developing local players and sporting success.
Now they're ready to meet Monaco FC in Bodø on November 4th and the city welcomes the red and white fans. The November winds and colder temperatures create a unique setting for this game. We recommend that you bring some extra warm clothing and brace for a good match on Aspmyra!
Film: How to dress warm for Arctic football
Bienvenue à Bodø, pensez à vous habiller chaudement!
(Feel free to use films and images, just remember to credit Visit Norway and photographer.)
Related links
Topics
Categories
Visit Norway is Norway's official tourism board.
Norway is the place to experience the magical northern lights and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle or world-famous fjords surrounded by spectacular mountains and glaciers. In the midst of stunning scenery, travellers can enjoy local food and culture in vibrant cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and Tromsø.
For best advice on Norway, click on www.visitnorway.com.
Preliminary enquiries about professional assistance can be sent by filling out our media form on https://business.visitnorway.c...
All PR annd press activities and enquiries are handled by our main office in Oslo.