Bislett Stadion is Norway's most famous sports arena internationally, and few stadiums in the world can match its record-breaking history. The site was a brick works until Oslo's municipality bought it in 1898 and turned it into a sports field in 1908. The first proper stadium was built in 1922.
In 1952, Bislett was the centrepiece of the Winter Olympics in Oslo, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, the speed skating and the figure skating. Fifteen speed skating world records were set on its ice over the years. But it is in track and field that Bislett truly earned its legendary status. More than 65 world records have been set on its forgiving, brick-coloured track.
The annual Bislett Games, part of the Diamond League since 2010, have been held here since 1965 and attract the world's best athletes. The highlight is the Dream Mile, introduced in 1974, which became one of the most prestigious races in athletics. In 1979, ten runners broke the four-minute mile barrier in a single race for the first time in history, led by Sebastian Coe. The British trio of Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram all set world records for the mile at Bislett. Cram's 3:46.32 from 1985 stood for years.
The old stadium was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a modern arena that opened in 2005, keeping the same location and the same atmosphere. The capacity is now around 15,400. Bislett also serves as home ground for several Oslo football clubs and hosts concerts. It is located centrally, a short walk from Majorstuen or tram stops along Thereses gate.
In 1952, Bislett was the centrepiece of the Winter Olympics in Oslo, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, the speed skating and the figure skating. Fifteen speed skating world records were set on its ice over the years. But it is in track and field that Bislett truly earned its legendary status. More than 65 world records have been set on its forgiving, brick-coloured track.
The annual Bislett Games, part of the Diamond League since 2010, have been held here since 1965 and attract the world's best athletes. The highlight is the Dream Mile, introduced in 1974, which became one of the most prestigious races in athletics. In 1979, ten runners broke the four-minute mile barrier in a single race for the first time in history, led by Sebastian Coe. The British trio of Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram all set world records for the mile at Bislett. Cram's 3:46.32 from 1985 stood for years.
The old stadium was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a modern arena that opened in 2005, keeping the same location and the same atmosphere. The capacity is now around 15,400. Bislett also serves as home ground for several Oslo football clubs and hosts concerts. It is located centrally, a short walk from Majorstuen or tram stops along Thereses gate.