Johan Cruijff Arena
Architecture
The Arena was designed by the architect Rob Schuurman. Schuurman liked to work with associations; for example, the stadium looks like a flying saucer. The stairwells are diagonally interconnected, like the shoelaces in soccer boots. The roof can be closed in bad weather. Together with the GelreDome in Arnhem, the Johan Cruijff Arena is the only Dutch stadium that allows this.
Homage
The professional soccer player Johan Cruijff, who died in March 2016, started his soccer career with the Amsterdam-based club Ajax. In 1999, he was elected European Football Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics. To honor this soccer legend, the stadium was officially renamed the Johan Cruijff Arena in 2018.
Other events
In addition to great soccer matches, the stadium has also hosted concerts by countless celebrities, including Michael Jackson, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Pavarotti, and others. The wedding party for King Willem-Alexander and Máxima was also held at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Tour
Have you always wanted to feel the grass in the Arena? Or check out the dressing rooms? Book a tour of the Johan Cruijff Arena and experience the place that has brought forth so many soccer legends.