Iconic Football Stadiums To Visit When In The Netherlands.
The Dutch people have a vibrant football culture and the Dutch footballing scene has produced some of the world’s finest footballers. The passion of the Dutch people for the sport is reflected in their support for their football teams, and their stadiums are known for their impressive and iconic designs and atmosphere. Come along, in this blog we will together take a closer look at the footballing tradition and some of the most famous stadiums to visit when in the Netherlands.
- Johan Cruijff Arena:
The first on my list is this stadium right here. It has a little bit of sentiment to it, as from my point of view, I’d say it is my favorite stadium to visit in the Netherlands because of the city it is located in(amsterdam). The Johan Cruijff Arena is the largest stadium in the Netherlands and home to AFC Ajax and the National team, one of the country’s most successful football clubs. The stadium is named after the legendary Dutch footballer, Johan Cruijff, who played for Ajax and the Dutch national team in the 60s and 70s. With a capacity of up to 54,000 fans, the Johan Cruijff Arena boasts a retractable roof and a LED façade that displays various colors and patterns, making it a unique and a visually stunning stadium. Personally, i would suggest that it is the best place in the Netherlands to watch the Uefa champions league game.
2. De Kuip:
De Kuip also known as stadion Feyenoord is the home of Feyenoord Rotterdam, another top football club in the Netherlands, this was the first stadium I ever went to watch a game of football in person. this is why I have an attachment with this stadium, and I recommend you visit as well. It was Built in 1937 and has been renovated several times over the years. De Kuip is known for its intense atmosphere and loyal fans who create a sea of red and white in support of their team. With a capacity of up to 51,117 fans, De Kuip is one of the few stadiums in Europe that still has standing areas for the fans to share the feel with the players, adding to its unique character and history all for the legacy of the Feyenoord fans. This stadium is the second stadium used by the national team to play Home based international games.
3. Philips Stadion:
Last on my mini list of iconic stadiums to visit in the Netherlands is the Philips Stadion. This the home ground of PSV Eindhoven, another top flight football club in the Netherlands. The stadium is named after the electronics company Philips, which is based in Eindhoven. With a capacity of up to 35,000 fans, the Philips Stadion has a modern design featuring a unique curved roof that provides excellent acoustics for fans. It also has a large video screen that displays and replays other information during matches, adding to the excitement of the game. Psv Eindhoven can boast of a couple of iconic dutch players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Memphis Depay & Cody Gakpo just to name a few stars. Though they haven’t been blessed with silverwares in the last decade, i still recommend this stadium mainly because it has the cheapest tickets lol, I’m joking the stadium produces one of the loudest fanbase which produces more enthusiasm for the players during games and it also brags the best night atmosphere. I recommend watching a game here at night, i’d tell you why in a picture below.
Ajax and Feyenoord Rivalry:
The rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord is one of the most intense in Dutch football. These two clubs are from Amsterdam and Rotterdam respectively and also share the mantle for the being the home stadium of the national football team(the Netherlands), and they have dominated Dutch football since the 1960s. Matches between the two teams are highly charged affairs, with both sets of fans creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium. This rivalry reflects the cultural and social divisions between the two cities, making it one of the most unique and exciting in European football.
Dutch Footballing Philosophy:
The Dutch are known for their unique footballing philosophy that emphasizes possession, creativity, and attacking play. All rounded by the doctrine of their legend Johan Cruijff, the father of dutch football. Later Dubbed “Total Football,” this philosophy was also developed by Dutch coach Rinus Michels in the 1970s and has since become a cornerstone of Dutch footballing culture. The philosophy has been adopted by many other teams around the world and has influenced the playing style of some of the most successful teams in Europe.
In conclusion, they have a rich footballing culture with some of the most iconic stadiums and passionate fans in Europe. The Johan Cruijff Arena, De Kuip, and Philips Stadion are just a few examples of the impressive infrastructure that supports Dutch football. The intense rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord and the unique Dutch footballing philosophy highlight the passion and creativity of the Dutch people for the beautiful game.
Johan Cruijff Arena:
“Amsterdam Arena” on Stadium Guide (https://www.stadiumguide.com/amsterdamarena/)
“Johan Cruijff Arena” on AFC Ajax official website (https://english.ajax.nl/club-information/johan-cruijff-arena/)
“Johan Cruijff Arena” on UEFA website (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/destination/stadiums/amsterdam/)
De Kuip:
“De Kuip” on Stadium Guide (https://www.stadiumguide.com/de-kuip/)
“Feyenoord Stadium” on Feyenoord Rotterdam official website (https://www.feyenoord.com/feyenoord-stadium)
“De Kuip” on UEFA website (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/destination/stadiums/rotterdam/)
Philips Stadion:
“Philips Stadion” on Stadium Guide (https://www.stadiumguide.com/philips-stadion/)
“PSV Stadium” on PSV Eindhoven official website (https://www.psv.nl/english-psv/stadium.htm)
“Philips Stadion” on UEFA website (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/destination/stadiums/eindhoven/)
Ajax and Feyenoord Rivalry:
“Why the Dutch Football Rivalry Between Ajax and Feyenoord Is One of Europe’s Most Intense” on Time (https://time.com/4487184/ajax-feyenoord-rivalry/)
“The Ajax-Feyenoord Rivalry: The Most Uncomfortable Game in the World” on The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/27/ajax-feyenoord-rivalry-holland-uncomfortable-game)
“Ajax vs. Feyenoord: The Dutch Football Rivalry That Divides a Nation” on Bleacher Report (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1912156-ajax-vs-feyenoord-the-dutch-football-rivalry-that-divides-a-nation)
Dutch Footballing Philosophy:
“Dutch Total Football: How it Worked and Why it Died” on FourFourTwo (https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/dutch-total-football-how-it-worked-and-why-it-died)
“The Philosophy of ‘Total Football’” on World Soccer Talk (https://worldsoccertalk.com/2010/02/24/the-philosophy-of-total-football/)
“The Dutch Philosophy of Total Football” on These Football Times (https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/07/10/the-dutch-philosophy-of-total-football/)