Start Kristiansand is a Norwegian professional football club from the city of Kristiansand, currently competing in the Eliteserien, the top flight of Norwegian football. The club's full name is Idrettsklubben Start, and it plays its home matches at the Sparebanken Sør Arena. Founded in 1905, Start is one of Norway's oldest clubs, with its traditional colors being white and black. The club has a rich history, with its most successful period coming in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they won the Norwegian First Division (now Eliteserien) in 1978 and 1980. That era was defined by talented players and attractive, attacking football that captured the nation's attention. The modern era has seen Start oscillate between the Eliteserien and the OBOS-ligaen (first division), facing the financial and competitive challenges common to many clubs outside Oslo. The current squad blends experienced campaigners with youth academy products, aiming to re-establish the club as a stable top-division entity. The fan base, known for their passionate support especially in southern Norway, creates a vibrant atmosphere on matchdays. Start Kristiansand is a historic club with a proud past, continually striving to recapture its former glories.