On Thursday evening, Glimt will host Qarabag from Azerbaijan for another European match at Aspmyra. The local press in Bodø is reacting to the fact that the town’s residents are not flocking to see their team play at home.
Aspmyra has a capacity of 8,200, but as of lunchtime, just over 5,500 tickets have been sold for Thursday’s match, Glimt reports.
The fact that the people of Bodø are not filling Aspmyra while Glimt is competing for the championship and performing well in Europe is causing reactions.
– I think that is directly embarrassing. People need to wake up and get themselves to Aspmyra, said Avisa Nordlands Glimt reporter Stian Høgland on Tuesday. At that time, 4,800 tickets had been sold.
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FULL HOUSE: There was a good turnout when Porto visited Aspmyra stadium. Photo: Mats Torbergsen / NTB
Photo: Mats Torbergsen
More at Old Trafford than Aspmyra
In the newspaper’s podcast, there is a reaction to the fact that Glimt has sold more tickets for the away match against Manchester United than for the home game in the same tournament.
For the match at Old Trafford on November 28, 6,500 away tickets have been sold.
– It doesn’t help to complain if you don’t support Glimt at home as well, he clearly states, making it clear that this is not an attack on those who live far from Bodø and travel to the match.
– This is an attack on those who live in Bodø and have the opportunity to attend the match. Get yourselves to Aspmyra!, says Høgland, who expects sold-out crowds both on Thursday and for the upcoming league matches against FFK and LSK when the championship will be decided in the Eliteserien.
CRITICAL: Stian Høgland (left) and Trond Olsen (right).
Photo: AN
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– The league championship can be decided in the last round at Aspmyra, and Glimt could certainly sell 15,000 tickets then. And then the whining will come from those who can’t get a ticket. Why not just show up? There is European football at Aspmyra with international opponents, expert Trond Olsen adds in frustration.
Glimt has seven points after three matches. They won their first home match in the tournament against the giant team Porto.
Dane Philip Zinckernagel has also made a plea to their supporters.
– We hope people come to the match because it creates good energy and gives confidence to the players, he stated to Glimt’s own website.
Glimt’s media chief Simen Pedersen tells Nettavisen that they greatly appreciate those who come to Aspmyra today, on Sunday, and earlier.
– We still have room for more for the upcoming matches, and hope for even more spectators, he tells Nettavisen.
– Extremely difficult
Kjetil Knutsen warned at Wednesday’s press conference about the opponent waiting.
– We are facing a very good team, they have strengths and weaknesses. I don’t think we should read too much into the table, but we must be very prepared for what we face, and we must – as always – be a good version of Glimt. If we are not a good version of Glimt, then matches in Europe are extremely difficult, says Knutsen.
EXPECTING A TOUGH MATCH: Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen.
Photo: Mats Torbergsen
The Glimt coach also talked about what awaits in a few weeks when they travel to face Manchester United with a new manager.
On Tuesday, Knutsen watched Ruben Amorim’s Sporting crush Manchester City.
– He has done an absolutely amazing job with a club that was down, together with many other skilled people, says Knutsen about the Portuguese.
Knutsen is impressed with the young manager he will meet in England later this month.
– We need to see what kind of identity he will try to create at United. He doesn’t have a lot of time. How much impact he will have on how United will be is exciting to see, but it will be interesting to see them and what he stands for as a coach.
– Impressive guy. Absolutely, says Knutsen.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Football Expert Trond Olsen on Bodø/Glimt’s Attendance Woes
Editor: Welcome, Trond Olsen, and thank you for joining us today. The recent situation at Aspmyra Stadium is quite alarming. With Bodø/Glimt performing excellently in both league and European competition, why do you think the attendance is lagging behind?
Trond Olsen: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed concerning. When we consider that Bodø/Glimt has consistently shown impressive performances, especially winning their first home match against Porto, one would expect local support to reflect that success. Unfortunately, it seems there’s a disconnect between the team’s accomplishments and local attendance.
Editor: It’s particularly striking that more tickets have been sold for the away match against Manchester United than for the home match against Qarabag. What does this suggest to you?
Trond Olsen: It suggests a troubling trend in local support. While it’s wonderful to see fans willing to travel to Old Trafford, it does pose the question: why aren’t they showing the same enthusiasm at home? This discrepancy might indicate that some fans prioritize ‘big’ games over supporting their local team consistently.
Editor: The local press has dubbed this lack of attendance as directly embarrassing. Do you agree with that sentiment?
Trond Olsen: Absolutely. Stian Høgland nailed it when he said it’s embarrassing. We can’t complain about the team’s needs for support if we aren’t showing up ourselves. It feels like a lack of community commitment towards a team that brings prestige to Bodø.
Editor: What do you think might encourage more residents of Bodø to attend matches at Aspmyra?
Trond Olsen: A sense of pride and ownership in the club is critical. They need to view attending matches not just as a leisure activity but as supporting their local heroes. The atmosphere and energy generated by a full stadium can greatly boost players’ performances as well—Dane Philip Zinckernagel even highlighted this.
Editor: With the championship potentially being decided at Aspmyra, and already a plea from players for support, how crucial is it that locals show up now?
Trond Olsen: It’s essential. This is a pivotal moment for the club. If the locals don’t rally now, they risk missing out on a potentially historic celebration. Imagine the frustration of fans who can’t get tickets for a sold-out game once the championship is decided. It’s a missed opportunity to support their team right when it matters most.
Editor: It seems there’s a call to action directed specifically toward Bodø’s residents. What message do you have for them?
Trond Olsen: Come out and support your team! There’s European football happening right in your backyard. The success of Glimt is a testament to the community’s potential, and attending the games can create a vibrant atmosphere that not only encourages the players but also fosters local pride.
Editor: Thank you, Trond. Your insights shed valuable light on the passionate relationship between local communities and their sports teams. Here’s hoping we see more fans at Aspmyra for the upcoming matches!
Trond Olsen: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep supporting our team, and who knows, this could become a historic season for Bodø/Glimt!
