Celtic fans in Rotterdam are growing in numbers and making noise in this tasty UEFA Champions League encounter between the Scottish and Dutch champions.
These two sides met in the 1970 European Cup final when, three years after Celtic's own triumph, Feyenoord lifted the continental crown after extra-time at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium. That victory initiated an era of Dutch dominance in the competition, with Ajax winning the next three editions after their Rotterdam-based rivals had led the way.
Kick-off is on Tuesday 19 September at 21:00 CET (local time) and 20:00 BST (Glasgow time).
How many Celtic fans in Rotterdam?
Celtic received an allocation of 2,400 tickets for the De Kuip stadium and these tickets have sold out. There should be around this many Celtic fans in Rotterdam, given there are stories of a few having bought tickets in the home end, but also a few now unable to make the game.
Given the short notice for this fixture and two great trips later down the line in Madrid (Atleti) and Rome (Lazio), some will be saving themselves for those matches.
There's thousands in Rotterdam anyway, and the noise should be fantastic.
Where do the Celtic fans sit in the Feyenoord Stadium?
Full fans’ matchday guide for Feyenoord vs Celtic
Where to eat & drink for Celtic fans in Rotterdam
The club-named meeting point for Celtic fans in Rotterdam is the Old Harbour area. Fans may gather here on Monday evening, and definitely will throughout Tuesday in anticipation of kick-off later that day.
As for what to eat, you might want to look for Kapsalon post-match. We're talking chips topped with kebab, and slices of melted Gouda cheese served with salad and garlic sauce. That should sort you out in the early hours.
Where to avoid in Rotterdam
There is no information on specific areas to avoid in Rotterdam, but Feyenoord's ultras are not to be messed with. Most Feyenoord fans will be fine and they'll be some great interactions between the two sets of supporters, the majority of whom respect each other, but use your head and caution and don't get yourself into trouble.
17/09/2023 Netherlands ??. Feyenoord graffiti ahead of their match against Celtic.
Info Feyenoord: Celtic claiming we're friends, but we're defo not! pic.twitter.com/juS8k6MfHp— ?????? ????? ???????? (@thecasualultra) September 17, 2023
Facilities inside De Kuip
Alcoholic beverages will be on sale at the bars inside the stadium, which opens two hours before kick-off. The beer will be Heineken Silver (4%). The De Kuip stadium bars are card-only.
There will be soft ticket checks upon arrival and body searches, before entrance through four turnstiles. Given there are only four turnstiles, there could be some delay in entering.
There will be a hold-back before Celtic fans are allowed to leave the De Kuip stadium, but the length of this hold-back isn't yet clear. It will be communicated during or after the game.
Ticket collection info for Celtic fans in Rotterdam
Fans received their tickets via post before travelling, so there is no ticket collection point for this fixture. Tickets cost £56 for the match and Celtic charged their fans a special delivery fee of £8.10.
How to get to De Kuip: Guide for Celtic fans in Rotterdam
The designated meeting point for Celtic fans in Rotterdam's Old Harbour area is a one-and-a-half hour walk from the De Kuip stadium, so it's unlikely many will be wanting to do that. Luckily, there's a huge number of options for reaching the ground, including water taxi!
There's more information and guidance below on public transport, but ultimately, train is your best bet as a Celtic fan.
By train: You're aiming for the stop: Rotterdam Stadion. You're looking for ‘Sprinter trains' which will depart from Rotterdam Centraal and Dordrecht. These trains only operate on matchday.
By tram: There is a tram stop right in front of the ground called Stadion Feijenoord. From Rotterdam Centraal, take tram 12 or 23, both of whose final destination is Beverwaard and get off at Stadion Feijenoord. From the train station Lombardijen, take tram 2 (direction Charlois) or 20 (final destination, Centraal) and get off at the ‘Breeplein' stop, which is a five-minute walk to the ground.
The tram is free on matchday in the three hours before and after the match. You just have to show your matchday ticket, but if you're in Celtic colours, there may be restrictions on using it.
A crowd gathers at Bernard Electrical shop in Union Street, Glasgow to watch Celtic take on Feyenoord in the 1970 European Cup final. Pic: Mirrorpix. pic.twitter.com/5FsYhoNYJ8
— PictureThis Scotland (@74frankfurt) September 18, 2023
By bus: The closest bus stop is Breeplein. Take the bus 77 from Zuidplein. Again, bus travel is free in the hours around the game by showing your match ticket.
By Metro: Get to the Wilhelminaplein stop and change there for the tram 23 service to Feyenoord Stadium de Kuip. To get to Wilheminaplein, take line D (towards rotterdam Central) or line E (towards Den Haag).
By water taxi: There is a water taxi dock just five minutes' walk from the stadium. The dock is called Stadion Feyenoord (number 10) and taxis go from several locations in Rotterdam. This could be a unique way to go to the game.
By bike: Another unique way to get to the ground. There are 600 bike parking spaces next to the stadium's ticket offices.
Please note: When leaving the ground, Celtic fans' access to the Metro will be restricted by the police. You're advised to look to get the train, a taxi, or walk. Celtic FC have been discussing a train for Celtic fans back to the city centre with Rotterdam Police, but there have been no updates on whether this will go ahead.
Best videos of Celtic fans in Rotterdam (so far)
Still to come! We'll get them in here as soon as we see them.
