Oslo municipality has set aside NOK 500 million (EUR 42 Mln) for rehabilitating its football pitches over the next four years.

Oslo is estimated to have over 200 synthetic turf football pitches, yet some areas still don’t have a weatherproof sports surface.

“We have pointed out to the politicians that there are several districts in Oslo where there is not a single artificial turf pitch with a heating system so they can be in operation all winter. Stovner district is one of the districts without a sub-heating system in operation, and this, despite the fact that an under-heating system has already been invested in for the Jesperudjordet artificial turf field. It is therefore gratifying that the municipality will now cover the operating costs during the winter period,” says General Manager of NFF Oslo, Tore Jarl Bråteng.

All heated

The local football federation NFF has set a goal that all pitches that are to be rehabilitated will have underfloor heating systems.

“In 2025, it will be time to rehabilitate the pitch at Årvoll. If an underfloor heating system is also installed here, then the district of Bjerke will have its first pitch with underfloor heating. In 2026, the pitch at Furuset is next, and if an underfloor heating system is installed then, we can also mark that the district of Alna will have its first synthetic turf pitch with underfloor heating,” says Chairman of NFF Oslo, Jo Evensen.

The city council has also set aside money for the replacement of the artificial turf at Klemetsrud. In addition, the pitch at the KFUM Arena will be renovated. The club has for several years hosted other clubs on its pitches.