Best 10 Soccer Stadiums in Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to a rich Dutch football heritage, and its soccer stadiums reflect that passion. From Amsterdam to Kerkrade, these football venues are not just arenas for Eredivisie matches but iconic landmarks for fans and tourists alike. In this guide, we’ll explore the best soccer stadiums in Netherlands, highlighting their history, capacity, and must-see features. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or planning a stadium tour, this list of soccer stadiums in Netherlands offers something for everyone – from historic grounds to modern marvels.

Table of Contents

1. Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam (Ajax)

The Johan Cruyff Arena (formerly Amsterdam Arena) is the Netherlands’ largest stadium and Ajax Amsterdam’s home. Opened in 1996, it was the first Dutch stadium with a retractable roof. This modern venue seats about 55,865 fans for soccer matches, making it the largest stadium in the country. Johan Cruyff Arena has hosted major events like UEFA Euro 2000 games and the 1998 Champions League Final. It also staged the 2013 Europa League Final and regularly welcomes international matches for the Dutch national team. Beyond sports, its stage has seen concerts by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and more, showcasing its versatility.

Capacity: ~55,865 seats (football)
Opened: 1996 (renovated 2003–2019)
Home Teams: Ajax Amsterdam, Dutch national team fixtures
Notable Features: Retractable roof, steep stands, and multifunctional design
Major Events: Euro 2000 matches; 1998 UCL Final; 2013 UEL Final; big concerts

Ajax fans and visitors rave about the modern atmosphere and tours available. The stadium’s location in southeast Amsterdam is accessible by metro and train. Its capacity and history make it a pilgrimage site for Dutch football fans.

2. De Kuip – Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam (Feyenoord)

De Kuip (Dutch for “The Tub”) is Feyenoord Rotterdam’s historic stadium. Opened in 1937, it has a unique bowl shape and is famed for its intense atmosphere. With 51,177 seats, it is the second-largest soccer stadium in the Netherlands. De Kuip has hosted numerous finals – including European Cup finals – and was long the de facto national stadium before modern venues took over. It remains one of the most iconic stadiums in Netherlands, often praised for having “some of the best atmosphere on the right night”.

Capacity: ~51,177 seats (all seated after 1999 renovation)
Opened: 1937 (expanded 1949, 1958, fully renovated 1999)
Home Team: Feyenoord Rotterdam (Eredivisie)
Historic Fact: Hosted Dutch national team matches, 1970 & 2000 Euros games, multiple European finals
Atmosphere: Known as one of the world’s most iconic stadiums with passionate fans

Though newer stadium plans are in discussion, fans still cherish De Kuip’s classic steel truss roof and history. Tours of De Kuip are popular for its museum of Feyenoord’s history. Its location on the Maas riverbank is near metro and tram, making it easy for visitors.

3. Philips Stadion, Eindhoven (PSV)

The Philips Stadion is PSV Eindhoven’s home ground. Opened in 1913 (initially a simple field), it evolved into a modern arena. Today it seats about 35,000 fans. Remarkably, Philips Stadion hosted three Euro 2000 group matches and the 2006 UEFA Cup Final. It offers excellent facilities and is just a 5–10 minute walk from Eindhoven’s central station, making it very tourist-friendly.

Capacity: ~35,000 seats (after latest expansions)
Opened: 1913 (major rebuild 1969–1977; further upgrades 2000s)
Home Team: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
Unique Features: Passionate crowd (“Pharaohs”), red-white stands, historic trophy exhibits (PSV’s European silverware)
Major Events: UEFA Cup Final 2006; Euro 2000 matches

PSV’s fans are known for their enthusiasm, especially on big European nights. Philips Stadion’s steps and modern north stand have corporate boxes. During non-match days, stadium tours are available (book via PSV’s site). Visitors can combine a match with exploring Eindhoven’s tech museum or city center nearby.

4. De Grolsch Veste, Enschede (FC Twente)

De Grolsch Veste (The Grolsch Fortress) opened in 1998 as Twente Enschede’s home. It currently holds about 30,000 fans. The stadium has been expanded once (2011) by adding a second tier. A tragic event in 2011 occurred when part of a stand’s roof collapsed during expansion – a reminder of its dramatic history. Still, today’s Grolsch Veste features modern facilities and excellent sight lines.

Capacity: ~30,000 seats
Opened: 1998
Home Team: FC Twente (Eredivisie)
Ambiance: Known for family-friendly atmosphere; supporters sit close to pitch thanks to steep stands
Notable History: Roof collapse in 2011 during expansion (all safely resolved)

The bright red stands reflect FC Twente’s colors. De Grolsch Veste has also hosted youth internationals and occasional national team friendlies. It’s near Enschede’s main train station and adjacent to a shopping area and university (Enschede Kennispark station nearby). Fans often enjoy tour groups (often with beer tasting, given Grolsch brewery sponsorship).

5. Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen (SC Heerenveen)

Abe Lenstra Stadion in Heerenveen holds about 26,400 spectators. Named after Heerenveen’s legendary star Abe Lenstra, this stadium opened in 1994 and was completed by 1996. It quickly became known for its sleek design and the team’s attractive style. The capacity was roughly doubled to ~26,100 seats during a 2002 expansion.

Capacity: ~26,400 seats (expanded to 26,100 in 2002)
Opened: 1994–1995; renovated 2002 (corners filled)
Home Team: SC Heerenveen (Eredivisie)
Features: White-and-blue stand roofs (team colors), excellent turf, fan terraces on curve stands
History: First match featured PSV Eindhoven (1994); named after local hero Abe Lenstra

Heerenveen’s ground is scenic, surrounded by water and Frisian countryside. It even allows a few local cows to graze nearby! Fans note its intimate feel despite being modern. It occasionally hosts Dutch youth internationals. The stadium is reachable from Heerenveen station with a short bus ride.

6. Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht (FC Utrecht)

Stadion Galgenwaard, in the east of Utrecht city, is home to FC Utrecht. Built in 1936 and renovated in 1982 and 2003, it now seats about 23,750 fans. The 2003 rebuild was famous for literally moving the main stand: workers reassembled it behind the opposite goal – a Dutch first. The result is a fully modern stadium with four stands all close to the pitch.

Capacity: ~23,750 seats
Opened: 1936; major renovation 1982, rebuild 2000–2003
Home Team: FC Utrecht (Eredivisie)
Unique Fact: In 2000s renovation, the entire main stand was transported to the other end of the pitch
Atmosphere: Often filled by Utrecht’s loyal fans (the “Utreg’s Heeren”), especially in the open Kop on the west side

Galgenwaard hosted several Euro 2000 matches and is known for Dutch-language chants. It’s a 10-minute walk from Utrecht Centraal and well integrated into the city. Guided tours focus on the move of the stand and modern stadium tech.

7. GelreDome, Arnhem (Vitesse)

The GelreDome in Arnhem is Vitesse’s home. Opened in 1998, it seats about 21,248 spectators. It’s one of only a few Dutch stadiums with a retractable roof and a sliding pitch (the grass can be moved outside on rails). This makes GelreDome highly versatile for concerts, concerts, and events. It was a venue for Euro 2000 games and also hosted local cultural events – earning the nickname “the Grand Theater of the Netherlands” (due to Gelre, its sponsor, and its event focus).

Capacity: ~21,248 seats
Opened: 1998
Home Team: Vitesse Arnhem (Eredivisie)
Special Features: Retractable roof and movable grass field for multi-use
Notable Events: Euro 2000 matches; famous for hosting concerts (AC/DC, Madonna, etc.) because it feels like an indoor arena when closed

Fans and visitors can tour the stadium on non-match days. It’s easily reached by car via the A12/A50 and by train (Arnhem Rijnstation). Nearby, the GelreDome complex includes cafés and a sports exhibition.

8. AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar (AZ)

AZ Alkmaar’s AFAS Stadion (formerly DSB Stadion) in Alkmaar opened in 2006. It currently seats about 17,000. While smaller than the others on our list, it’s noted for its intimate atmosphere and attractive brick exterior. StadiumFreak mentions it as compact and popular despite its size. AZ has been one of the Eredivisie’s top clubs, so the stadium regularly hosts big league games and occasional Europa League fixtures.

Capacity: ~17,000 seats
Opened: 2006 (replacing the old Alkmaarderhout stadium)
Home Team: AZ Alkmaar (Eredivisie)
Facts: Named after AFAS Software; plans existed to expand to 30,000 but were shelved in 2008
Atmosphere: Known locally as “Victorie Stadion” in memory of Alkmaar’s 1573 siege victory; very fan-friendly layout

AFAS Stadion is near Alkmaar’s city center – ideal for combining a match with the famous cheese markets or canals tour. The stadium’s design incorporates local imagery (windmills, cheese wheels in decorations). Guided tours cover the club’s trophy history (AZ won Eredivisie in 2009).

9. Het Kasteel (Sparta Stadion), Rotterdam (Sparta)

Het Kasteel (“The Castle”) is perhaps the most old-fashioned on our list. This historic Sparta Rotterdam ground opened in 1916 and still has a distinctive castle-like façade. It seats roughly 11,000 fans, making it cozy and nostalgic. Despite its age, it’s well-maintained and steeped in tradition – Sparta is the Netherlands’ oldest pro club.

Capacity: ~11,000 seats
Opened: 1916 (world war interruptions delayed final completion)
Home Team: Sparta Rotterdam (Eredivisie)
Notable: One of Europe’s oldest stadiums still in use; named “The Castle” due to its battlement-style tower
Ambiance: Extremely intimate; fans are very close to the pitch, creating a village-feel environment

Visitors love the photo-op at the front gate. Inside, a small on-site museum (part of Sparta’s club) highlights Rotterdam football history. Het Kasteel is centrally located near the Coolhaven metro, making it very accessible for fans and tourists alike.

10. Parkstad Limburg Stadion, Kerkrade (Roda JC)

Parkstad Limburg Stadion in Kerkrade was built for Euro 2000 and opened in 2000. It seats about 19,979 people. It was notable as one of the first Dutch arenas with a full retractable roof, letting it host year-round events. Though home to Roda JC (now in the second tier), its size and modernity earn it a spot here. In 2005 it even hosted Youth World Cup semi-finals.

Capacity: ~19,979 seats
Opened: 2000 (for Euro 2000 tournament)
Home Team: Roda JC Kerkrade (Eerste Divisie)
Special Feature: Fully retractable roof covering entire stadium (rare in the Netherlands)
History: First match: Roda vs Real Zaragoza (2000); hosted FIFA U-20 World Cup games (2005)

Though not in the top division, Parkstad’s bright design and convenient car/tram access (Ittervoort station nearby) make it worthy of visits. The retractable roof keeps it dry in winter, and the hillside location offers great views of Limburg’s green landscape.

Conclusion – From the towering Johan Cruyff Arena to the charming Het Kasteel, these soccer stadiums in Netherlands showcase the country’s love for football. Each venue has its own story – a record crowd, a historic final, or a unique roof – and they all contribute to Dutch football culture. Whether you’re an Eredivisie fan, a tourist, or a history buff, visiting these top stadiums offers insight into the best soccer stadiums in Netherlands and the passion behind them. Share this guide if you’re planning a stadium tour, and let us know in the comments: which Dutch stadium would you visit first?

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is the largest soccer stadium in the Netherlands? A: The Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam is the largest, with a football capacity of about 55,865. It’s home to Ajax and the Dutch national team and hosts major events.
Q: Which stadium is home to Ajax and the Dutch national team? A: Ajax Amsterdam plays at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which also serves as the Netherlands’ national stadium.
Q: What is the capacity of De Kuip, Rotterdam’s stadium? A: De Kuip (Feyenoord’s stadium) holds about 51,177 spectators, making it the second-largest in the country.
Q: Are there stadiums with retractable roofs in the Netherlands? A: Yes. Johan Cruyff Arena and GelreDome have retractable roofs, and Parkstad Limburg Stadion has a fully retractable roof. These features allow concerts and events year-round.
Q: Which stadium hosted games during Euro 2000? A: Several Dutch stadiums did, including Johan Cruyff Arena (Amsterdam), De Kuip (Rotterdam), GelreDome (Arnhem), and others. These iconic venues were among the group-stage hosts.
Q: How can tourists visit these stadiums? A: Many of the top stadiums offer guided tours or have on-site museums. For example, the Ajax and Feyenoord tours are popular, as are match-day experiences. Stadiums like Philips Stadion and AFAS Stadion are centrally located with easy public transport. Always check the club’s official site for tour schedules.

Explore these Dutch football venues to experience the best of Netherlands soccer culture. Don’t forget to share this post on social media and leave a comment below sharing your favorite stadium or game-day memory!