Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar will hope to see their in-form side assert their dominance on UEFA Europa Conference League Group E, in which every side is level on three points.
For the Villains, who are back in Europe after a 13-year absence, it's been a fantastic experience already after a trip earlier in the group to Legia Warsaw.
The team's performance on the pitch left much to be desired, Villa were beaten 3-2 in the Polish capital, but it was great for fans to be back on the continent.
How many Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar?
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Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar were given an allocation of just 950 tickets at the AFAS Stadium.
There may be more than this number of fans travelling as Villains take full advantage of their return to Europe. With the Premier League so competitive now, supporters know this may be their club's only season in Europe for a while, even though their form this season has been so impressive under Unai Emery.
Where do the Aston Villa fans sit in the AZ?
The AFAS Stadion was opened in August 2006 and has a capacity of 19,478. In UEFA competition it is known as the AZ Stadion while some supporters call it Victorie Stadion, a name alluding to a victory in the Eighty Years' War.
In August 2019, the stadium suffered a partial roof collapse, although no one was injured in the incident. AZ then played their home games in The Hague while reconstruction was underway. A new roof has now been put in place and the capacity increased from 17,023 to 19,478. More than a decade ago, off the back of their late 2000s success under Louis van Gaal, AZ sought to expand the ground to 30,000 but this fell through.
Away fans will be situated in sections L and K.
Full fans' matchday guide for AZ Alkmaar vs Aston Villa
First of all, AZ Alkmaar fans carry a reputation in 2023. Earlier this year, the club was fined €80,000 for their fans attacking West Ham supporters in their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg in May.
Alkmaar banned 43 fans as a result and several arrests were made. Villa fans should be fine, but should use common sense to avoid trouble.
Where to eat & drink for Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a small city with small bars, the best of which are in the Waagplein area. Many of these won't be welcoming to away fans and the Dutch police may limit entrance for away fans.
However, Alkmaar is only a 40-minute train journey from Amsterdam where Villa fans will be able to find a huge selection of large bars suitable for football fans.
If you are in Alkmaar, base yourself around Paardenmarkt, the designated zone for Villa fans, and avoid “Platte Stenenbrug” bridge, where AZ fans tend to congregate.
There will be food and drink stalls within Paardenmarkt for Villa fans to eat and drink.
Ticket collection info for Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar
Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar were given an allocation of 950 tickets at the AFAS Stadium.
Season ticket holders who attended the away games at Hibernian and Legia Warsaw were given priority, followed by those who attended only the latter game. The sales windows continued with various factors determining priority, including length of time as a season ticket holder and number of away league games attended collectively.
How to get to AFAS Stadium: Guide for Aston Villa fans in Alkmaar
Most Villa fans will be travelling on matchday from Amsterdam. Buses will likely be provided from Alkmaar train station to the stadium.
Trains between Alkmaar and Amsterdam are regular and increase in capacity and frequency around matches.
For those driving, the stadium is right next to the A9 motorway.
If fans want to walk, it takes about 30 minutes from the city centre, although the main train station is further than this.
Shuttle buses run from the station to the stadium, while the bus 163 from the station can take you there too.
AZ Alkmaar FAQs
Who are AZ Alkmaar?
Where is Alkmaar?
Forty minutes away from Amsterdam in the Netherlands.