Brighton fans in Amsterdam: Essential matchday guide to Ajax

Brighton fans in Amsterdam are travelling to the Dutch capital knowing their UEFA Europa League Group B is finely poised as Matchday 4 approaches.

It's a glamour trip for the Seagulls, there's no doubt about that. A chance to take on four-time European champions Ajax at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

Whilst the Dutch giants are floundering, trying to get out of the crisis that currently engulfs the club, Roberto de Zerbi’s side are flying high and they will be backed by a strong contingent of travelling fans who are eagerly awaiting this tie.

Ahead of this crucial UEFA Europa League clash, Football Ground Guide gives you the essential matchday guide for Brighton fans in Amsterdam.

How many Brighton fans are going to Amsterdam?

Over 3,000 will make the trip from Sussex and elsewhere to cheer on De Zerbi's side.

The official away allocation of 2,600 has been snapped up, with plenty more ticketless fans heading for the Dutch capital to join the party and experience this landmark fixture for the club.

Following on from the recent visit to Marseille's Velodrome, Brighton supporters are on a European odyssey in what is the club's first-ever campaign of continental football.

The relatively short proximity from Brighton to Amsterdam makes this game accessible for most fans who want to be there, except for not having enough tickets to see the game in person.

Where do the Brighton fans stand in the Johan Cruyff ArenA?

The away section is located in the upper tier of the northeast corner of the stadium which is relatively ordinary, offering a decent view across most of the arena, except for those at the bottom of the section who will have partially obstructed views. 

As outlined in the fan guide on Brighton’s official website, “supporters should be aware that there are 130 steps to climb to get up to the away concourse on the upper tier. Supporters taking seats in the rows nearer the back should note a further 70 steps will need to be climbed to get to the back rows. The lower rows, 1-10, require fewer steps but views are slightly impacted by the Perspex screen at the front.”

That’s it now. The away section at #Ajax #LFC pic.twitter.com/Q74UhyIPdY

— Finbarr (@FinbarKeating) October 26, 2022

Full fans’ matchday guide for Brighton vs Ajax

Amsterdam city centre will be awash with blue and white on Thursday afternoon. Thousands of Albion fans will congregate at Dam Square with the bars, cafes and restaurants set to be occupied with plenty of noise and colour.

The Europa League Group B clash is the main event but there is plenty to be organised for supporters ahead of the trip to the Netherlands.

Where to eat & drink for Brighton fans in Amsterdam 

With fans advised to gather around Dam Square, a plethora of bars and other amenities await in what is one of the main tourist areas of the city, adjacent to the Red Light District.

Some bars worth a visit include Euro Pub at Dam Square, as well as Belushi's, nearby.

Cannibale Royale is a burger joint worth a mention, whilst those who venture to Rembrandt Square, will find the excellent Three Sisters pub for food and beers.

Ticket collection info for Brighton fans in Amsterdam

Those who have been successful in applying for tickets to see Ajax vs Brighton will have a collection on Thursday afternoon.

The latest info from the Amex Stadium has indicated that every individual ticket holder will be required to collect their tickets in person, with matching photo ID (passport) from the ticket collection point near Dam Square and Central Station with details of the location of the collection point to be emailed directly to ticket holders.

The collection point will be open from the afternoon on Wednesday 8 November through to early evening then on matchday, Thursday 9 November, collections will open from the morning until two hours before kick-off.

Gates for the away section at the Johna Cruyff ArenA open at 16:45pm (local time), whilst only A4-sized bags are permitted to enter the stadium.

How to get to the Johan Cruyff ArenA: Guide for Brighton fans in Amsterdam

The journey from Amsterdam city centre to the stadium is quite easy, with the subway being the advised mode of transport.

Brighton fans should use subway line 54 from Centraal Station to Strandvliet-ArenA station which is the nearest stop to the away section. The journey will last around 15-20 minutes, ahead of a short walk to Entrance K at the stadium.

Best videos of Brighton fans in Amsterdam (so far)

The Seagulls haven't touched down in the Dutch capital at the time of writing, but we'll keep this regularly updated as their supporters start to make the journey over.