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Tips for Visiting Johan Crujiff ArenA

Officially opened in August 1996, Johan Cruijff ArenA was originally conceived as a home for the 1992 Olympic Games. When the city lost its hosting bid to Barcelona, designers pivoted and instead designed a diverse sports space to replace former stadium De Meer after it had become too small to meet audience demand.

With a budget of €140 million, this new venue – then named Amsterdam Arena – quickly became home for a variety of sporting and musical events. Over the years it has seen artists like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Madonna, Beyoncé, and The Rolling Stones grace its stage. Hotels near Amsterdam Arena quickly grew in number as the venue attracted more visitors and its popularity as a tourist attraction flourished.
The first football match to christen Amsterdam Arena’s pitch was between the city’s home-team AFC Ajax and Milan, and since then it has gone on to host a variety of sporting events. The 1998 UEFA Champions League Final, NFL Europe’s American Football European competition and It’s Showtime, and K1 Kickboxing events are just a handful of the international talent Amsterdam Arena has attracted throughout its twenty-three-year history.
In April 2018, the venue officially changed its name in honour of AFC Ajax football legend Johan Cruyff. It’s one of only a handful of Amsterdam stadiums currently in the running to host the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. 

What to Expect When Visiting Johan Cruijff Arena

Johan Cruijff Arena is located in Amsterdam-Zuidoost (the South East area of the city) and is easily accessible by train or metro from Amsterdam City Centre. With a capacity of 68,000, the venue welcomes thousands of visitors each year and as such is fully accessible to meet their needs. Elevators can be found by its main entrance and those requiring wheelchair assistance will find bespoke wheelchair spaces and additional facilities. 
Tickets for sporting events can be purchased on the arena’s website and delivered by post or collected via the arena’s box office, while tickets for Johan Cruijff’s music events can be purchased from third party ticket sellers.

Hotels Near Amsterdam Arena

With such a wide variety of events on offer, there are likewise a wealth of hotels near Amsterdam Arena to suit budgets of all sizes. By visiting our hotels in Amsterdam page, you’ll be able to find a selection of accommodation options. Once you’ve secured your base, a visit to the Arena’s built-in entertainment and shopping complex is the perfect way to start your city break. Here you’ll find cinemas and a selection of food options, from sit-in restaurants to take-out quick bites.

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