De Meer Stadion

The De Meer Stadion is part of the old fabric in the Netherlands, as it used to be the former home of Ajax. Opened in 1934, this study was able to serve its purpose for more than 50 years before Ajax decided to move to a larger ground. This led to the closure of De Meer Stadion in 1996 followed by its ultimate demolition in 1998. The stadium was designed by architect Daan Roodenburgh, who was the former general director of the club.

De Meer Stadion was able to witness some historic moments during its time. The initial capacity of the ground was only 22,000, but it was a step up from Ajax’s previous ground – Het Houten Stadion. However, it was even capable of accommodating 29,500 spectators at its peak. This capacity was later brought down to 19,000, where it remained until its demolition, due to safety considerations. Due to the lack of floodlights, Ajax had to play some of the top European matches at the Olympic Stadium. The Olympic stadium had the ability to hold more than 60,000 spectators.

There were little changes at the De Meer Stadion throughout its history. There were a few modifications in the early part of its existence. These modifications primarily brought in advantages like a roof. These modifications also resulted in the stadium capacity being brought down.

Apart from being the home of Ajax for a long period, De Meer Stadion also managed to host the Dutch national team on a few occasions. Most of these matches were meant for the FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.

Even though fans will no longer be able to visit the stadium, they can still come to this area that holds a lot of history and legacy. Once in the Middenweg, fans will find that there is a shortage of pubs and bars that can provide options to drink and have some delicious food. The top options would be:

Cafe Kuijper

This happening place manages to offer visitors with everything that they need from a trip to a pub ahead of a football match day. Apart from being able to encounter a lot of football fans whenever Ajax are playing in town, Cafe Kuijper also manages to offer great music, great beer, and food.

Ruk en Pluk

This is a place to visit when you are looking for something interesting from a trip to the pub. There is plenty of atmosphere to go along with the wholehearted staff, who are ready to go to great lengths to make sure that the visitors are best pleased.

De Biertuin

This place is known for the endless list of beers that simply would not make a football fan walk away. There is a roomy patio that can provide a great place for hanging out with friends. Apart from the beer, this modern pub also manages to deliver in terms of coffee and food items.

De Meer Stadion was the home of Ajax for just over 60 years. The stadium was demolished soon after Ajax vacated the premises. After demolition, the area where the ground stood has been transformed into a residential area. In order to retain a bit of the history, a lot of references can be still found. Many of the street names will be a reminder of the glory days. Even though it is not possible to see the stadium in person, a visit to the area has the potential to transport visitors back in time.

How to get there by car & Where to park?

Even though the Middenweg area is still within the city limits, getting into the place is not very difficult especially considering that it is very close to the A10. The Park De Meer is actually on the perimeter of the A10 and one has to be ready to make an exit when they approach the region. The road network in this area of Amsterdam is extremely good and conducive for driving. Once you get to the Middenweg area, parking should not be a difficulty. However, fans have to be aware of the various rules and regulations that are in place.

By train or metro

Ajax is very well connected and it has a number of public transport options. There is a tram line that runs through the Middenweg area. One has to get off at the Amsterdam, Brinkstraat transit stop. Get to Amsterdam by train is also not very difficult with plenty of options available from various parts of Europe. Most of the trains coming to the city will be on the high speed network.

You cannot discuss Ajax’s local rivals without talking about ‘De Klassieke’ – a derby match battled out between Ajax and Feyenoord. It is considered by many as the biggest rivalry in Dutch football and is always an intense, entertaining affair.

However, they also have an intense rivalry with PSV Eindhoven. Unlike with Feyenoord, the PSV rivalry is more so based on the fact that they are the two most successful clubs in the country, rather than being based on proximity.

It is no longer possible to visit the De Meer Stadion, which has been demolished in favour of the Amsterdam Arena. However, one can still visit the Watergraafsmeer area where the old stadium once stood. It is in the south-eastern section of the Amsterdam city. No part of the old stadium has been left over, as the entire area has been transformed into a residential housing section along with a park. However, there is a lot of reminiscences about Ajax, the famous clubs that they played against, and some of the iconic players who represented the club. Some of the famous street names in this region would be Wembleylaan and Anfieldroad.

Record Attendance

29,500

Average attendance at the De Meer Stadion

Unfortunately, due to its closure in 1996, information on its average attendance records is incredibly scarce. However, it is generally accepted that for much of its lifespan, Ajax would regularly play in front of a full capacity, or at the very least, very close to it, due to the massive size of the club.

As previously mentioned, the De Meer Stadion site itself is no longer available to visit as it has been replaced with a housing complex since its demolition. However, the area in which it once stood is, and the map below will show the general area, including the Park De Meer.