Tottenham Hotspur fans in Alkmaar will hope to see their side make up for poor league form by continuing their adventure in the Europa League in Alkmaar.
For the Spurs fans, the Europa League offers one last chance to claim silverware this season and remain in Europe for next season. While one of the clear favourites for the rest of the tournament, Spurs will need to get past some tricky sides, and AZ Alkmaar will be no pushover.
How many Tottenham Hotspur fans are in Alkmaar?
Tottenham Hotspur 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 Spurs fans look to soak in the European nights.
Where do the Tottenham Hotspur fans sit in the AZ?
The AFAS Stadion opened in August 2006 and has a seating capacity of 19,478. In UEFA competitions, it is referred to as the AZ Stadion, while some supporters call it the Victorie Stadion, a nod to a victory in the Eighty Years' War.
In August 2019, the stadium experienced a partial roof collapse, but fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. During the reconstruction, AZ played their home games in The Hague.
A new roof has since been installed, and the stadium's capacity was increased from 17,023 to 19,478. More than a decade ago, following their success in the late 2000s under Louis van Gaal, AZ aimed to expand the stadium to 30,000 seats; however, this plan was not realised.
Away fans are seated in sections L and K.
Full fans' matchday guide for AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur
One early warning for Spurs fans is that back in 2023, AZ Alkmaar 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. Spurs fans should be fine, but they should use common sense to avoid trouble.
Where to eat & drink for Tottenham Hotspur 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 Spurs fans can find a huge selection of large bars suitable for football fans.
If you are in Alkmaar, base yourself around Paardenmarkt, the designated zone for Spurs fans, and avoid “Platte Stenenbrug” bridge, where AZ fans tend to congregate. There will be food and drink stalls within Paardenmarkt for Spurs fans to eat and drink.
Ticket collection info for Tottenham Hotspur fans in Alkmaar
Tottenham Hotspur 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 Tottenham Hotspur fans in Alkmaar
Most Spurs 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.
FGG says: All on the line for Spurs
It really is all or nothing for Spurs in Alkmaar. On paper, it's an easy game for the Premier League side, but given their form this season, it might be anything but. While they made it through the round of 16, they made it look complicated, dropping points to Rangers and Roma while losing to Galatasaray.
While they did face Alkmaar already, it wasn't the most convincing victory in London. Spurs have a lot to do, and winning this trophy will get a lot more than luck.