Soccer Stadiums in Belgium

Soccer Stadiums in Belgium: 10 Best Football Arenas

Soccer Stadiums in Belgium: 10 Best Football Arenas

Belgium, home of the Red Devils and passionate football fans, boasts some of Europe’s most iconic soccer stadiums in Belgium. From the national stadium in Brussels to modern club arenas, these venues combine rich history, impressive capacity, and vibrant fan culture. In this guide we rank the 10 best soccer stadiums in Belgium, highlighting seating capacity, year opened, historic moments, and visitor tips for each. Whether you’re a soccer fan or traveler, learn why these football arenas in Belgium stand out.

Belgium’s top stadiums regularly host Belgian Pro League matches and international games. Many are home to famous Belgian football clubs (Club Brugge, Anderlecht, Standard Liège, etc.) and have seen Champions League and European Championship action. Use the links below to jump to each stadium, and check the FAQ section for quick answers about visiting, capacity, and tours.

  • King Baudouin Stadium (Brussels)
  • Jan Breydel Stadium (Bruges)
  • Lotto Park / Constant Vanden Stock Stadium (Anderlecht, Brussels)
  • Stade Maurice Dufrasne (Standard Liège)
  • Cegeka Arena (Genk)
  • Planet Group / Ghelamco Arena (Ghent)
  • Bosuilstadion (Antwerp)
  • Stade du Pays de Charleroi (Charleroi)
  • Achter de Kazerne – AFAS Stadion (Mechelen)
  • Olympisch Stadion (‘t Kiel) (Antwerp, Beerschot)

1. King Baudouin Stadium (Brussels)

Belgium’s national stadium, King Baudouin Stadium (formerly Heysel Stadium), anchors this list. With a capacity of about 50,093 spectators, it is the largest of the soccer stadiums in Belgium. Built in 1930 and extensively renovated for Euro 2000, it was inaugurated during the 1935 Brussels Expo. Located by the Atomium in Laeken, it combines historic significance and modern facilities.

  • Capacity: 50,093 (current, all seated)
  • Opened: 23 Aug 1930 (as Jubilee/Heysel Stadium)
  • Teams/Events: Belgium National Team, Memorial Van Damme athletics
  • Highlights: Hosted five European finals and the tragic 1985 European Cup Final. Today it serves as the home of Belgium’s national team.

The stadium’s record attendance was over 64,000 in 1963. After the Heysel disaster in 1985, it was rebuilt in 1995 and renamed for King Baudouin. Visitors can tour the grounds and see exhibits at the Royal Belgian Football Association’s museum. The stadium lies in Brussels’ Heysel Park (with the Atomium, Mini-Europe) and is easily reached by Metro (Heysel/Heizel or Roi Baudouin stations).

2. Jan Breydel Stadium (Bruges)

Interior view at Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, a top soccer stadium in Belgium.

The Jan Breydel Stadium is Bruges’ premier football arena, shared by Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge. Opened in 1975, it was originally called Olympiastadion and later expanded. Today it seats about 29,042 fans. The stadium’s name honors Jan Breydel, a local hero of the 1302 battle of the Golden Spurs.

  • Capacity: ~29,042
  • Opened: 1975; expanded for Euro 2000
  • Teams: Club Brugge (UEFA Champions League participant) and Cercle Brugge
  • Features: Mixto hybrid grass pitch, multi-level stands; modern facilities

Jan Breydel’s colossus stands out for its atmosphere and club rivalry. Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s most successful clubs, often fills the stadium and hosts top European matches. The stadium was renovated several times (most recently before Euro 2000 and again in 2016). Visitors can tour the Club Brugge official site for match tickets and stadium tours. Nearby, the Brugean historic center is a UNESCO site, making Bruges a great city-trip when visiting this stadium.

3. Constant Vanden Stock Stadium – Lotto Park (Anderlecht, Brussels)

RSC Anderlecht’s home ground, often called Lotto Park, is a historic Brussels stadium. It originally opened in 1917 and after many rebuilds (major in 1983–91) now holds 21,500 fans. The stadium is named after club president Constant Vanden Stock.

  • Capacity: 21,500
  • Opened: 1917 (renovated many times)
  • Team: R.S.C. Anderlecht (16-time Belgian champion)
  • Notable Events: Hosted Euro 1972 semi-final (Hungary vs. Soviet Union)

Key Facts: The stadium meets UEFA standards with all-seating and upgraded VIP/press areas. It once held over 38,000 (in 1980) before seating was installed. Anderlecht’s museum and club store are on-site, and fans can join a stadium tour via the Anderlecht official site. The stadium’s location in Astrid Park is easily reached by Metro (Saint-Guidon/Sint-Guido).

4. Stade Maurice Dufrasne (Liège)

Standard Liège’s home, Stade Maurice Dufrasne (also called Stade de Sclessin), is one of Belgium’s largest arenas. Built in 1909, it currently seats about 27,670 people (max ~30,000). It is named for Maurice Dufrasne, the club’s first president.

  • Capacity: 27,670 (max 30,023)
  • Opened: 1909
  • Team: Standard Liège (10-time Belgian champions)
  • History: Hosted one Euro 1972 match and three Euro 2000 matches

This venerable stadium hosted Belgium’s national team games (notably against Estonia, Gibraltar) and multiple European finals. It’s known for its passionate Standard fans. Key renovations took place ahead of Euro 2000. Visitors should check the Standard Liège official site for stadium tours or match tickets. The stadium sits in the Sclessin quarter of Liège, a city famous for its lively nightlife and beer culture.

5. Cegeka Arena (Genk)

Cegeka Arena (formerly Cristal/Luminus Arena) is the modern home of KRC Genk. Built in 1990, it seats 23,718 (with ~4,200 standing). Genk’s stadium is relatively new and often hosts large crowds (20–22k on average).

  • Capacity: 23,718 (20,040 for UEFA)
  • Opened: 1990 (then named Fenixstadion)
  • Team: K.R.C. Genk (Belgian champions, Champions League participants)
  • Highlights: Hosted Belgium national friendlies and World Cup qualifier (vs. Bosnia, 2009)

Genk’s stadium is known for its sleek exterior and family-friendly atmosphere. In recent years it was renamed Cegeka Arena (after a local IT company). The venue is easily accessible by car or public transit (Genk station with shuttle). Fans can combine a visit with exploring the Limburg region. Check the KRC Genk site for tours or events.

6. Planet Group Arena (Ghent)

Exterior view of the Planet Group Arena (formerly Ghelamco Arena) in Ghent, a modern soccer stadium in Belgium.

Ghent’s Planet Group Arena (named Ghelamco Arena until 2024) is a state-of-the-art venue opened in 2013. It seats 20,185 spectators. The first new Belgian stadium in decades, it replaced the old Jules Ottenstadion and features a distinctive cantilevered roof.

  • Capacity: 20,185
  • Opened: 17 July 2013 (built 2008–2013)
  • Team: K.A.A. Gent (2015 Belgian champion)
  • Notable: Hosted Champions League qualifiers; first match was against KV Mechelen

This modern arena was built with €80M investment and won architecture awards. The surrounding parking/stadium plaza has restaurants and shops. Matchdays here are family-friendly. Fans can learn more from the KAA Gent site. Ghent’s city center (the Graslei, Ghent Altarpiece) is nearby, making it an attractive stop for traveling supporters.

7. Bosuilstadion (Antwerp)

Bosuilstadion in Antwerp is one of Belgium’s oldest stadiums. Opened on 1 Nov 1923, it has a current capacity of 16,144. Long-time home of Royal Antwerp FC (Belgium’s oldest club), it carries deep history.

  • Capacity: 16,144
  • Opened: 1923 (rebuilt several times)
  • Team: Royal Antwerp FC (founding club of Belgian football)
  • Highlights: Hosted 1964 Cup Winners’ Cup Final replay and Euro 1972 semi-final

Antwerp’s Bosuil is famous for hosting international matches (friendly games and a Euro ’72 semi between Belgium and West Germany). Currently undergoing renovation (2025 expansion to ~21,000), it blends old-world charm with modern updates. Fans visiting can tour the club’s museum on site. The stadium’s neighborhood, Deurne, is a suburban area; public transport is available (Antwerp central + tram). Official info on tours is at Royal Antwerp FC.

8. Stade du Pays de Charleroi (Charleroi)

This stadium in Charleroi was built for Euro 2000. Originally called Stade du Mambourg, it has a current capacity of 15,000 (down from 30,000 used during Euro 2000).

  • Capacity: 15,000 (post-2013)
  • Opened: 1939 (rebuilt 2000)
  • Team: Sporting Charleroi (Pro League regular)
  • Euro 2000: Hosted England vs. Germany (1–0) and other group games

Stade du Pays de Charleroi is unique for its multi-tier design and colorful seats. It was inaugurated in 1999 with a match (Sporting vs. Metz) before Euro 2000. Its stands were later partially covered by a roof, and it still meets UEFA standards. Charleroi city is known for the winter carnival; sports fans often combine matches with exploring Belgian folklore. The club’s official site offers ticketing info.

9. Achter de Kazerne – AFAS Stadion (Mechelen)

Achter de Kazerne (“Behind the Barracks”) is KV Mechelen’s stadium. After renovations (2015–2020), it seats 16,672. It’s one of Belgium’s more modern mid-sized venues.

  • Capacity: 16,672
  • Opened: Original stadium 1923; major rebuild 2015–2020
  • Team: KV Mechelen (8-time Belgian champion)
  • Name: Also called AFAS Stadion (sponsor name)

This compact stadium retains a traditional feel (it was the first Belgian stadium with a commercial name). In 2018 it was officially renamed after AFAS Software took over naming rights. Fans can visit the KV Mechelen museum on site. The city of Mechelen is between Brussels and Antwerp, ideal for stadium tours combined with sightseeing (historic St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, puppet museum).

10. Olympisch Stadion (‘t Kiel) (Antwerp)

Olympisch Stadion (often called ’t Kiel) is the home of K. Beerschot VA in Antwerp. Built in 1920 (opened 1921) and renovated over time, it currently holds 12,771 fans. Its name honors Antwerp’s 1920 Olympic Games.

  • Capacity: 12,771
  • Opened: 1921 (built 1920)
  • Team: K. Beerschot VA (recently promoted to Pro League)
  • Notes: Historic for athletics and football; lies in south Antwerp

Though smaller than others on this list, the Olympisch Stadion is beloved for its classic concrete stands and lively atmosphere. Beerschot has unique fan traditions (“De Mannekes”). Travelers interested in architecture and sports heritage will appreciate the 1920s design. Public transport (bus lines) serves the stadium on matchdays. For more info see the Beerschot website.

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FAQs

  • Q: Which is the largest soccer stadium in Belgium? A: The King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels is the largest, with a capacity of about 50,000. It’s Belgium’s national stadium and regularly hosts international matches.
  • Q: What are some famous football arenas in Belgium? A: Apart from King Baudouin, famous Belgian football arenas include Bruges’ Jan Breydel Stadium, Anderlecht’s Lotto Park, Standard Liège’s Stade de Sclessin, Gent’s Ghelamco Arena, and Antwerp’s Bosuilstadion. Each is home to a top Belgian Pro League club.
  • Q: Which stadiums in Belgium hosted UEFA Euro 2000 matches? A: Belgium hosted Euro 2000 matches in several stadiums: King Baudouin Stadium (Brussels), Stade Maurice Dufrasne (Liège), Jan Breydel (Bruges), and Stade du Pays de Charleroi (Charleroi). These venues each saw multiple group-stage games.
  • Q: How can I tour Belgian soccer stadiums? A: Many stadiums offer guided tours or have on-site museums. Check the official club or stadium websites (e.g. Club Brugge, RSC Anderlecht, Standard Liège) for tour schedules. Also, visitor centers at stadiums like King Baudouin or Planet Group Arena often accommodate tourists.
  • Q: What is the seating capacity of Jan Breydel Stadium? A: Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges currently holds about 29,042 spectators. It was expanded from 18,000 seats before Euro 2000 to its present capacity.
  • Q: Which stadiums are home to famous Belgian football clubs? A: Club Brugge plays at Jan Breydel Stadium (Bruges). RSC Anderlecht at Lotto Park/Constant Vanden Stock Stadium (Brussels). Standard Liège at Stade Maurice Dufrasne (Liège). KAA Gent at the Ghelamco (Planet Group) Arena (Ghent). Royal Antwerp at Bosuilstadion (Antwerp), and KV Mechelen at AFAS Stadion (Mechelen).
  • Q: Are there any tours or museums at these venues? A: Yes. For example, King Baudouin Stadium offers tours of the Belgian FA museum. Club Brugge, Anderlecht, and Standard Liège each run club museums at their stadiums. Check the clubs’ official sites for tour bookings. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions (e.g. the Atomium near King Baudouin, or medieval Bruges when visiting Jan Breydel).
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