Bodo/Glimt are flying high after winning four of the last five league titles while also becoming regulars in the European club competitions, where they reached the semi-final of the Europa League last year and this season have qualified for the Champions League where they will face Czech outfit Slavia Prague tonight in their first-ever game in the competition.
Bodo/Glimt chiefs want to take advantage of the club’s recent success by taking the first steps towards building a stunning new stadium. Management feels that a new stadium is vital for Bodo/Glimt to maintain their development and preserve their ability to challenge some of the best teams in Europe.
A total of 192 out of 193 members voted in favour of a new 10,000-seat arena to replace their current home ground, the 8,000-capacity Aspmyra Stadion, where they have been playing since 1966.
The massive project will cost a whopping €100 million to build and is set to be completed in 2027. However, uncertainties about the financing of the stadium have now cast a dark shadow over the project.
According to the budget, Bodo/Glimt need to finish at least in fourth spot in the Norwegian domestic league, "Eliteserien," and qualify for the European club competitions every year for the next 25 years.
In addition, large parts of the financing plan are based on income that has not yet been secured, such as crowdfunding and the sale of the stadium name. This prompted Norwegian journalists to address coach Kjetil Knutsen about the risk of the stadium financing at the press conference before the clash against Slavia Prague.
"What I think is more important to emphasize is that Glimt have chosen to take a slightly tough path. We have to build a new stadium if we are to participate in both Norwegian and international football. I think it should be applauded and celebrated", said Knutsen according to NRK.no.
"It's okay to ask critical questions, but the day before we go out for a crucial match, I really don't care about financing plans for the new stadium. It is completely uninteresting. I don't think you should ask me about it the day before we play a Champions League match. I don't think it's right for me to sit and tell you about financial conditions at Bodo/Glimt 25 years from now", said Knutsen.
Financial expert Robert Naess, who is investment director at Nordea, is among those who see potential financial dangers in Bodo/Glimt's prestigious stadium-project.
"The risk is great. Suddenly, if Kjetil Knutsen quits, and the club stop to produce results, then you are quickly back in a reality that is similar to the one before the success started", Naess recently told Avisa Nordland.
Slavia Prague will take on the Norwegain champions tonight at 18.45 CET.