Sandefjord Spoil Sarpsborg's Big Home Return With 2–1 Win
Sarpsborg 08 FF fell to a 2–1 defeat against Sandefjord Fotball on Sunday 16 August in their first home Eliteserien outing since July. The result was a setback for a side that had ridden high on confidence following a stunning away win over league leaders Viking FK just days before. Attention now turns swiftly to a cup derby against local rivals Sparta Sarpsborg later this month.
Sandefjord Claim Victory in Sarpsborg Return
Sarpsborg 08 FF's long-awaited return to home soil ended in heartbreak on Sunday afternoon, as Sandefjord Fotball left Sarpsborg Stadion with a 2–1 victory in Round 18 of the Eliteserien. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for supporters who had packed into the ground for the club's first home fixture since July.
The result leaves Sarpsborg 08 in a difficult position in the Eliteserien standings, as the squad now heads into the remainder of the month needing a response.
A Month That Still Has Plenty to Offer
Despite the loss, the atmosphere at Sarpsborg Stadion remained a testament to the loyalty of the local fan base, who turned out in force after weeks without home football. The mood in the stadium throughout August has been building steadily — fuelled by the squad's impressive 2–1 away win over league leaders Viking FK on 8 August, a result that had raised hopes of a strong home performance against Sandefjord.
The coming weeks offer the club an immediate chance to bounce back. A Norwegian Football Cup first-round derby against local rivals Sparta Sarpsborg is set for the weekend of 22–23 August — a fixture that historically generates one of the loudest atmospheres of the season at the stadium.
Girls' Football Festival Adds to the August Schedule
Off the pitch, Sarpsborg Stadion has more to look forward to. On Sunday 23 August, the ground will host a Girls' Football Festival, organised in partnership with Allidrettsdagen and Sarpsborg Idrettsråd. The community event is designed to celebrate women's and girls' football across the city and is expected to bring a fresh and celebratory energy to the venue.
The Eliteserien home fixtures continue into September, with Vålerenga scheduled to visit on 7 September — rounding off what remains the busiest three-week home spell of the 2026 season for Sarpsborg Stadion.
