Sør Arena - Image 1
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Sør Arena Kristiansand

4.3
·457 reviews·, Norway

Sør Arena, home to IK Start, is a modern football stadium in Kristiansand known for its intimate atmosphere and community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Football season weekends

Experience the vibrant match day atmosphere.

CrowdHigh
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Sør Arena - Image 1

Sør Arena Kristiansand

Best Time

Football season weekends

Experience the vibrant match day atmosphere.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sør Arena, home to IK Start, is a modern football stadium in Kristiansand known for its intimate atmosphere and community events.

4.3
(457 reviews)

"Nice arena but the catering and toilet facilities are pretty useless."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Match Schedule

Plan your visit around an IK Start game for the best atmosphere.

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

For popular matches, securing tickets in advance is recommended.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

IK Start Match

IK Start Match

Sør Arena

Feel the roar of the crowd and cheer for IK Start in this intimate, modern football stadium.

Instagram
Møvik Fortress

Møvik Fortress

Near Sør Arena

Explore a massive WWII cannon, a striking historical relic offering a glimpse into the past.

TikTok
Akademiet Kristiansand

Akademiet Kristiansand

Sør Arena

Discover a unique sports academy integrated within the stadium, fostering young athletic talent.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Match Day Buzz

Experience the electric atmosphere of a football match at Sør Arena. Arrive early to soak in the pre-game excitement and secure good seats, especially for popular games. Check the IK Start schedule to plan your visit around a live game for the full experience. Instagram

Beyond the Game

While primarily a football stadium, Sør Arena hosts various events. Consider checking local listings for concerts or other gatherings. The Møvik Fortress nearby offers a historical perspective on Kristiansand. TikTok

Best Times

When
Football season weekends
Why
Experience the vibrant match day atmosphere.
Crowd
High
When
Summer evenings
Why
Enjoy concerts or events in pleasant weather.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👇🏻2 WEEK ITINERARY for NORWAY 🇳🇴🏔️🌿 You can start this itinerary in Oslo, Kristiansand (ferry harbour) or Stavanger. The best time is in the summer months. 📌 Lysefjorden I highly recommend the famous hikes to Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten! Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. If you have time, drive the scenic Lysevegen route (beautiful zigzag road). 📌 Odda Visi...
@laraswayfare
69.6K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Check Match Schedule

Plan your visit around an IK Start game for the best atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

For popular matches, securing tickets in advance is recommended. Instagram

Ever seen a cannon so massive you could fit inside the barrel? 🤯 Meet the 38cm SK cannon at Møvik fortress in Kristiansand, Norway. . . #History #WWII #Cannon #Norway #Military #drone #travel
@timantons1
28.9K likes • 305.1K views
Seier i Kristiansand🔴⚪️ G17 reiste i dag til Sparebanken Sør arena for å spille mot de gule fra Kristiansand. Bryne fikk en kjempestart og ledet fortjent 2-0 til pause. Videre i andreomgangen økte Bryne til 3-0, før Start fikk inn en redusering til slutt. #jærskdrivkraft
brynefk_akademiet
186 likes • 6.2K views

🚶‍♂️ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and enjoy the pre-game buzz outside the stadium. TikTok

🍽️ Food & Drink Options

While some find catering limited, others praise the good food and prices. Reddit

📚⚽️ | Vil du ha en skolegang som tilrettelegger for satsing på idrett? Da bør du sjekke ut toppidrettstilbudet til vår samarbeidspartner Akademiet Kristiansand. Skolen ligger på Sparebanken Sør Arena, og passer perfekt for unge lovende utøvere som ønsker å kombinere toppidrett med skole. 📰 | Les mer på Akademiets sider.
ikstart
355 likes • 7.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Match Schedule

Plan your visit around an IK Start game for the best atmosphere. InstagramReddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

For popular matches, securing tickets in advance is recommended. Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and enjoy the pre-game buzz outside the stadium. TikTok

🍽️ Food & Drink Options

While some find catering limited, others praise the good food and prices. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Nearby History

Visit Møvik Fortress for a dose of WWII history. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(457 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sør Arena is generally well-regarded for its design and atmosphere, particularly during football matches, offering a good experience for its size. While some visitors find the catering and toilet facilities could be improved, especially during smaller crowds, the overall impression is positive, with many appreciating the stadium's functionality and good value. Reddit

"Excellent arena. The maximum capacity is just right considering the local population, around 115,000 people. A 20,000+ arena wouldn't make sense, and the atmosphere inside the enclosed stadium is great during match days. Nothing's lacking, including amenities."

Jean-Luc Picard

"Nice arena but the catering and toilet facilities are pretty useless. When you know there will be a small crowd why not keep them in one or two stands so you can offer more?"

BenK

"Great arena. Just hope the team will win some matches soon 😅😜"

Leif Borø

What People Like

Great atmosphere
Good stadium design
Nice food and price

What People Dislike

Catering/toilet facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sør Arena is located in Kristiansand. Public transport options include buses that serve the area. For those arriving by train, it's a short taxi or bus ride from the Kristiansand train station. If driving, there is parking available, though it can fill up quickly on match days. TikTok

Yes, several bus routes service the area around Sør Arena, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Kristiansand. Instagram

A short bus ride or a taxi are convenient options from Kristiansand city center to Sør Arena. Walking is also feasible if you enjoy a stroll. Reddit

Sometimes, travel partners like Go-Ahead offer discounts on train tickets for supporters attending matches at Sør Arena. Check the club's official website for details. Instagram

Yes, Kristiansand is a ferry harbor, and Sør Arena is accessible from there via a short taxi or bus journey. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for IK Start matches at Sør Arena can typically be purchased online through the official IK Start website or at the stadium's ticket office on match days. Instagram

Sør Arena's opening hours vary depending on whether there is a match or event scheduled. For match days, gates usually open a couple of hours before kickoff. It's best to check the IK Start website for specific event timings. Instagram

Yes, tickets are often available for purchase on the day of the game, but it's advisable to buy in advance for popular fixtures to guarantee your spot and potentially avoid queues. Instagram

Sør Arena offers various seating sections, including home and away supporter areas, as well as family sections. Prices may vary based on the seat location. Instagram

Sør Arena has a capacity designed to suit the local population, offering an intimate atmosphere for matches. Reddit

🎫 ⚽ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere at Sør Arena during an IK Start match is often described as great and electric, especially with a good crowd. The enclosed stadium design helps amplify the sound and energy. InstagramReddit

Yes, food and drink options are available. While some reviews mention limitations, others highlight good food at reasonable prices. Reddit

Sør Arena can host concerts, parties, and other events. It also houses the Akademiet Kristiansand sports academy. Instagram+2

Yes, Sør Arena is generally considered a good place for families, with dedicated family sections and a welcoming atmosphere during matches. Instagram

The Møvik Fortress, featuring a massive WWII cannon, is a significant historical site located near Sør Arena. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

For dynamic shots, capture the action from the stands during a match. The exterior of the arena also offers good photographic opportunities, especially with the surrounding landscape. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are allowed. However, specific rules may apply for concerts or other special events, so it's best to check beforehand. Instagram

Kristiansand offers scenic views, especially along the coast and in its charming city center. The area around Sør Arena also provides a modern urban backdrop. Instagram

Football photography capturing the game's intensity and fan reactions is popular. Event photography for concerts and gatherings also takes place here. Instagram+1

Drone usage is subject to aviation regulations. Always check local drone laws and airspace restrictions before flying near any stadium or populated area. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sør Arena is a great destination for families looking for entertainment. Attending an IK Start football match offers a fun and engaging experience for children, with a lively atmosphere and often family-friendly seating areas. Instagram Consider arriving early to explore the surroundings and build excitement before the game. The nearby Møvik Fortress also provides an educational outing, with its massive cannon sure to capture kids' imaginations. TikTok

When visiting, look for family packages or discounts on tickets if available. Pack snacks and drinks, though check stadium policies beforehand. The relatively compact size of the arena ensures good views from most seats, making it easier for kids to follow the action. Reddit

⚽ Football Enthusiasts

For dedicated football fans, experiencing an IK Start match at Sør Arena is a must. The stadium's design fosters a close connection between the fans and the pitch, creating an intimate atmosphere. Cheering alongside passionate local supporters offers an authentic Norwegian football experience. InstagramReddit

To make the most of your visit, check the IK Start schedule well in advance and book tickets for a high-stakes match if possible. Explore the fan zones before the game for pre-match entertainment and camaraderie. Instagram Consider the away supporter sections if you're visiting with fans of a rival team for a different perspective. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Kristiansand Football

Sør Arena is the home ground of IK Start, a professional football club in Kristiansand. The stadium is designed to provide an intimate and engaging experience for fans, with a capacity that suits the city's population. Its modern facilities and enclosed design contribute to a vibrant atmosphere on match days, making it a focal point for local sports enthusiasts. Instagram+1

Beyond league matches, the arena has also hosted various other events, showcasing its versatility. From concerts to festive gatherings, Sør Arena plays a role in the city's cultural and social calendar. The presence of the Akademiet Kristiansand, a sports academy, within the stadium complex further highlights its commitment to fostering athletic talent. Instagram+1

When planning a visit, checking the IK Start fixture list is key to experiencing the arena at its liveliest. The energy of a live football match, combined with the stadium's design, creates a memorable experience for both locals and visitors. Reddit

A Glimpse into History: Møvik Fortress

Just a stone's throw from Sør Arena lies the Møvik Fortress, a significant historical site from World War II. The star attraction here is the colossal 38cm SK cannon, so large that one could theoretically stand inside its barrel. This impressive piece of military history offers a stark contrast to the modern sporting venue nearby. TikTok

Visiting Møvik Fortress provides a powerful educational experience, allowing visitors to understand the strategic importance of the area during the war. The sheer scale of the cannon and the surrounding fortifications are awe-inspiring and offer excellent photographic opportunities for history buffs and curious travelers alike. TikTok

While Sør Arena buzzes with contemporary energy, Møvik Fortress stands as a silent, imposing reminder of the past, offering a well-rounded perspective on Kristiansand's heritage. It's an easily accessible addition to any visit to the area, providing a unique historical detour. TikTok

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