Åråsen Stadion (Lillestrøm)

The Åråsen Stadion is a football stadium located in Lillestrøm, Norway, serving as the proud home ground for Lillestrøm Sportsklubb (LSK). Officially opened on July 7, 1951, Åråsen marked a significant milestone for LSK, providing the club with a dedicated home ground after years of utilizing various sports fields around Lillestrøm, including the “dyrskueplassen” near Vigernes school (from 1902) and “Tærudløkka.”

The inaugural match saw Lillestrøm face Sarpsborg, with LSK securing a 3-2 victory in front of approximately 3,500 spectators. Initially featuring a gravel pitch, the stadium continually evolved, transitioning to a natural grass surface in 1960.

Adding to its unique characteristics, Åråsen Stadion features retractable floodlights. This distinctive design is a direct result of the stadium’s close proximity to Kjeller Airport, which imposes height restrictions on structures in the area. These limitations meant that a traditional fixed floodlight system was not feasible, leading to the innovative retractable solution installed in January 2002. Prior to this, LSK even had to play some international matches, such as a 2000 UEFA Cup tie against Alavés at an alternative venue due to insufficient lighting.

Beyond domestic league and cup fixtures for LSK, Åråsen Stadion has a notable history of hosting international football. The ground was one of the venues for the UEFA Women’s Euro 1997 and has welcomed numerous matches for the Norway women’s national football team. It also served as a host for the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship and several matches for the Norway national under-21 football team.

Tenants: Lillestrøm Sportsklubb (LSK)
Opened: 1951
Capacity: 10,540
Pitch Surface: Natural grass
Address: C. J. Hansensvei 7, 2007 Kjeller, Norway

Where is Åråsen Stadion?

Åråsen Stadion is situated in Lillestrøm, a city located in Akershus county, approximately 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) northeast of Oslo, the capital of Norway. Lillestrøm is a well-connected urban area with excellent transport links.

How do I get to Åråsen Stadion?

Getting to Åråsen Stadion is straightforward, whether you’re traveling from within Norway or internationally. Lillestrøm’s proximity to Oslo and its main airport makes it easily accessible.

1. By Air:

  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL): This is Norway’s main international airport and the closest major airport to Lillestrøm. OSL serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
    • Travel Time from OSL: Lillestrøm is very well connected to OSL by train. A direct train journey from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Lillestrøm Station can take as little as 12-15 minutes, making it highly convenient for visitors flying in.

2. By Car & Parking:

  • Driving Directions: Use GPS with the address: C. J. Hansensvei 7, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
  • Parking: Limited public parking may be available in the vicinity of Åråsen Stadion on non-match days. On match days, parking can be challenging directly at the stadium. It is advisable to look for designated event parking areas or consider public transport/rideshare services, especially for popular matches. Information about specific parking arrangements for major events or matches can often be found on the Lillestrøm SK website closer to the event date.

3. Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Services like Uber and local taxi companies operate in the Lillestrøm and greater Oslo region. These can be convenient options for direct travel to the stadium. Expect potential surge pricing and increased demand on match days.

4. By Public Transportation:

Lillestrøm is a major public transport hub, making it very easy to reach Åråsen Stadion by train or bus.

  • Train (Vy – Norwegian State Railways):
    • Lillestrøm Station: This is a key railway station with frequent connections from Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) and Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Train journeys from Oslo S to Lillestrøm Station typically take about 10-12 minutes with express trains (e.g., Airport Express Train – Flytoget) or 20-25 minutes with regional trains (Vy).
    • To the Stadium from Lillestrøm Station: Åråsen Stadion is a relatively short walk from Lillestrøm Station (approx. 10-15 minutes), or a very short walk from local bus stops (like St. Magnus Plass) near the stadium.
  • Bus (Ruter / Vy local buses):
    • Several local bus lines serve the area around Åråsen Stadion. Check the Ruter website or app for route planning within Lillestrøm and the surrounding Akershus/Oslo area. Bus lines like 100 and 360 have stops very close to the stadium (e.g., St. Magnus Plass).

Important Planning Notes:

  • Tickets & Apps: For public transport in the Oslo/Akershus region, it’s often most convenient to purchase tickets using the Ruter app.
  • Traffic: While Lillestrøm has good transport infrastructure, expect some traffic congestion in and around the city, particularly during rush hours or on match days.

Tickets at Åråsen Stadion

Tickets for matches at Åråsen Stadion are primarily sold for Lillestrøm Sportsklubb (LSK) home games in the Eliteserien and other cup competitions.

  • Purchasing Tickets: Match tickets can typically be purchased through the official Lillestrøm SK website (look for “Billetter” or “Tickets” section) or via authorized ticketing partners. It’s advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially for high-demand matches (e.g., against rival clubs like Vålerenga).
  • Season Tickets: LSK also offers season tickets for dedicated fans.
  • General Admission vs. Reserved Seating: Most tickets will be for reserved seating, but check the specific options available when purchasing.

Where to stay near Åråsen Stadion

Lillestrøm offers a selection of hotels within close proximity to Åråsen Stadion and its city center. Oslo, being a short train ride away, provides a much wider range of accommodation options.

1. Key Towns / Areas for Accommodation:

  • Lillestrøm City Center: Offers the most convenient options for accessing the stadium and local amenities. Hotels here are typically within walking distance or a very short bus ride to Åråsen Stadion.
  • Oslo City Center: For those who wish to experience the capital city of Norway, Oslo offers an extensive range of hotels, dining, and attractions. It’s a short and frequent train journey to Lillestrøm.

2. Types of Accommodation:

  • Hotels: A range of hotels from mid-range to higher-end options are available in Lillestrøm and Oslo. Booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons or major events.
  • Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer apartments and houses for rent in Lillestrøm and the surrounding areas, which can be a good option for groups or longer stays.
  • Hostels: Primarily found in Oslo, these offer a more budget-friendly option.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book Early: Accommodation in the Lillestrøm/Oslo region can be in high demand, especially during peak football season or other local events.
  • Consider Location & Commute: Decide whether staying in Lillestrøm for proximity to the stadium or in Oslo for more city amenities (with a short commute) best suits your plans.
  • Check Cancellation Policies: Always understand the cancellation policies when booking in advance.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilize well-known and reputable booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before confirming.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Åråsen Stadion

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Åråsen Stadion and Lillestrøm, here are essential official resources for your trip:

Last Updated on June 12, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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