Johan Cruijff Arena (formerly known as Amsterdam ArenA) is a well known sports and entertainment venue located in Amsterdam. This stadium is home to the famous Ajax Football Club from Amsterdam and has become a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
Amsterdam Ajax Stadium
(Johan Cruijff ArenA)
Johan Cruijff ArenA in short:
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit Johan Cruijff Arena: 2-2.5 hours
- Where in Amsterdam: Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1, 1100 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Discount possible?: Yes, family and kids discount
- Can you use the iamsterdam pass for the Johan Cruijff Arena?: Yes, you get 25% discount on the entrance fee with the I amsterdam city pass
- Neighborhood: Amsterdam Zuid-Oost (south-east)
- Close to: Ziggo Dome, The Upside Down Amsterdam
What is the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam is the home stadium of AFC Ajax (Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax). Ajax plays in the Dutch Eredivisie, the top division in the Netherlands. The stadium has a seating capacity of 54,990 and hosts various football matches, concerts, and other large-scale events.
Why it is called the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
The arena was named after Johan Cruijff, a Dutch football legend who was born in Amsterdam and played for the club in the 1970s and 1980s. Cruijff, who also managed Ajax and coached the Dutch national team, is considered one of the greatest footballers in Dutch history.
How big is the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam?
The stadium was built in 1996 and is the largest in the Netherlands, capable of seating 53,000 people. It has an oval shape and the seating is arranged in three tiers. The lower tier is closest to the pitch, while the upper tier is furthest away.
The stadium is a modern marvel and has a unique design, featuring a retractable roof and a retractable pitch. This allows the grass to be kept in pristine condition and also allows for the pitch to be used for other events, such as concerts, when the roof is closed.
How old is the Johan Cruyff ArenA?
Built in 1996, the stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, making it one of the most modern and iconic sports arenas in Europe.
When it was first built, the original capacity was just over 27,000. However, the stadium has since been expanded and now has a maximum capacity of 54,990, making it the largest stadium in the Netherlands and the third-largest in the entire country.
What is around the Johan Cruyff ArenA?
The Johan Cruyff ArenA is located in the southeast part of Amsterdam, in the district of Bijlmermeer. The stadium is surrounded by a number of landmarks, attractions and shopping options, making it a great destination for visitors and locals alike.
The nearby AMC Medical Centre is one of the largest medical facilities in the region, and is the main hospital for the district of Amsterdam. The hospital has a wide range of medical services, and is the best place for emergency medical care in the area.
Just a short walk away from the stadium is the Amsterdam Arena, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Netherlands. The Amsterdam Arena is home to a variety of events, including concerts, sport tournaments, and other large gatherings.
For those looking for shopping options, the nearby Amsterdamse Poort shopping centre has a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes to choose from. The shopping centre is also home to a cinema and a bowling alley, making it a great place to spend an afternoon.
For visitors looking to explore more of Amsterdam, the nearby train station, Bijlmermeer Station, is just a few minutes away from the stadium. The train station provides access to the Amsterdam Metro, making it easy to explore the city and its attractions.
What is the closest train station to Johan Cruyff Ajax Arena?
The closest train station to Johan Cruijff ArenA is the Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from the stadium.
Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station is served by several train lines, including the Sprinter services operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), as well as the Amsterdam Metro lines 50 and 54. The station is easily accessible from Amsterdam city center and other parts of the Netherlands.
On major match days and during other events at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, extra trains and public transport services are usually provided to accommodate the large number of visitors to the stadium
How do you get into Johan Cruyff ArenA? Rules and Regulations
Visiting the Johan Cruyff ArenA:
The Johan Cruyff ArenA is open to the public for most events that take place in the stadium. To enter, you will need to purchase a ticket for the event. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office located at the stadium.
When attending a football match, you will need to show your ticket at the entrance. For other events, such as concerts, you may be required to show your ID.
Facilities:
The stadium offers facilities such as parking, ATMs, and a variety of food and beverage stands. There is also a wide range of souvenirs and memorabilia on sale at the stadium.
The stadion als offers tours of the stadium, which includes a visit to the VIP area, the press room, and the pitch. Tours run on select days and must be booked in advance. The stadium also offers a number of activities for kids, such as match day activities and youth football camps.
Safety and Security:
The Johan Cruyff ArenA takes the safety and security of its visitors very seriously. All visitors are subject to security screenings upon entry to the stadium, and bags are subject to search. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing in any sharp objects, illegal substances, or any items that could be used as projectiles.
Additional rules:
In addition, the stadium has a strict no-smoking policy. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited throughout the stadium, and any visitors found to be in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the premises.
3 Reasons why you should visit the Ajax Stadium during your stay in Amsterdam:
1. Sports Events: The Johan Cruijff Arena is the home of both Ajax Football Club and the Dutch National Football Team. It regularly holds soccer matches, as well as international matches and other events.
2. Architecture: The Arena is designed in a unique circular shape and is the first stadium in the world to be built in this way. The design is inspired by the traditional Dutch windmill and is one of the most iconic structures in Amsterdam.
3. Fun ArenA Tours: The Arena offers guided tours to the public which take you behind the scenes of the stadium of Ajax and give you an insight into the inner workings of the stadium, such as the dressing rooms, VIP lounge and press conference rooms. A very cool experience!
Book Amsterdam Ajax Stadion Tour tickets with Free Cancellation
With millions of people visiting Amsterdam every year, Amsterdam is a very popular travel destination. This means that tickets for popular tourist attractions are quickly sold out and that it is busy at the ticket counter.
It is therefore recommended to purchase your Amsterdam Ajax Stadium Tour tickets in advance, then you know that you can visit this place for sure when you are in Amsterdam.
🛎️ If you buy your Johan Cruyff Arena Tickets online, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can even get into the building quicker.
This will save you lots of precious time in Amsterdam. With a ticket in your inbox, you have nothing to worry about.
Where is the Ajax stadium in Amsterdam located on the Map?
You can find the Ajax stadium in the south-east part of Amsterdam. It is a distant from the city center, but it is well-connected by public transportation. You can take the train or subway to get there.
Source: Amsterdam Arena