Champions League at Lyse Arena

Behind the scenes, the team at Lyse Arena put on an impressive event where several thousand guests, sponsors, media representatives, and players were provided with food, service, and great experiences from early morning until late evening. Led by Sunniva Næss Lye and the stadium team, Compass once again demonstrated what it takes to execute events at the highest international level.

– The team that works at Lyse Arena on a daily basis is absolutely fantastic. They give it their all every single week and deliver top-notch service to everyone who visits the stadium. I know we have a team that really delivers when it counts.

Kjartan Salvesen, markedssjef i Viking Fotball

A stadium in Champions League style

Throughout the day, Compass was responsible for catering and hospitality in large parts of the stadium area.

In the exclusive Champions Club sponsor area, guests enjoyed live cooking and a flying buffet provided by Kim Salte Iamram Knoph and the team at Hinna Park. Hosts from Gnist welcomed the guests and guided them through the event, while lighting, decor, and entertainment helped set the tone for the evening.

In addition to catering for sponsors and VIP guests, Compass also handled catering for the Norwegian and international press, while press conferences and media activities were held in Compass’s areas at the stadium.

In total, catering was provided for approximately 1,600 guests spread across the VIP area and the Champions Club, with food served before the match, during halftime, and after the final whistle.

Foto: Cathrine Selvaag

Culinary elevated the experience

One of the major highlights this time was the contribution from the Compass Culinary Team.

In the VIP area, Gunnar Hvarnes, Culinary Director at Compass Group, led the efforts. The team had spent both Monday and much of match day preparing to ensure that guests had an extraordinary experience.

– These are exactly the kinds of projects we love to be a part of. It’s incredibly inspiring to work alongside the talented stadium team and help take the experience to the next level. When professionals from different parts of Compass come together for an event like this, the result is something truly special, says Gunnar Hvarnes.

For the guests, it was also hard to overlook the artistic touch provided by Rohita, who presented a spectacular chocolate sculpture and match plaques made of sugar. The work will be further developed throughout the Champions League season and became a natural eye-catcher during the event.

– It’s incredibly great to have the Culinary team on board for such extraordinary events. They add something extra, while also becoming part of a team that already knows the stadium and its operations inside and out. That collaboration is extremely valuable, says Maren Moen Gilje, Contract Manager for Sports at Compass Group.

Foto: Cathrine Selvaag

From the first breakfast to the final serving

The workday began long before kickoff. The players received close attention throughout the day with breakfast, a customized lunch, meals between activities, and post-game catering. At the same time, the stadium’s regular operations kept things running smoothly throughout the day.

The first meal was served at 7:30 a.m. The last one wasn’t served until late in the evening at 11:00 p.m.

Although the Champions League is something truly special, this may be the most important story of all. The same people who handled Bayern Munich on Tuesday night are ready once again for new events as early as this weekend, when Viking faces Fredrikstad in the Eliteserien.

- It’s easy to notice the big match days, but it’s the effort put in here every single day that really matters. The team helps make Lyse Arena a great place to be, both for those who work here and for everyone who comes to visit—even UEFA and Bayern Munich. That work means an incredible amount to us, concludes Salvesen of Viking Fotball.

Foto: Cathrine Selvaag