Visiting the Johan Cruijff ArenA for an Ajax stadium tour, a match or a concert? Start with the entrance and travel information below. The Classic Tour takes about 75 minutes, while match and concert visits follow their own ticket and entry rules. Read on for the stadium’s architecture, history and Ajax connections.
In this guide
Johan Cruijff ArenA roof and tours: quick visitor answers
Does the Johan Cruijff ArenA have a roof? Yes: the stadium has a retractable roof that can open or close. Its position depends on the event and operating conditions, so a concert is not automatically a closed-roof event. Read the stadium’s visitor information for your specific show and check the weather before travelling. The roof and its machinery are explained further below.
Choose your visit. A stadium tour is a separate booking from an Ajax match or a concert. The Classic Tour is self-guided and takes about 75 minutes; guided and VIP options are also available. Tour dates and prices depend on availability, so check the official stadium tours before making plans.
Getting there and finding the entrance. Travel to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station and walk to the stadium. From Amsterdam Centraal, metro 54 towards Gein serves Bijlmer ArenA. Stadium tours start at Entrance E beside the Ajax fanshop. For a match or concert, use the entrance printed on your ticket and check the current journey in the GVB planner.
Bags and accessibility. Bags larger than A4 are not permitted on stadium tours, and the stadium has no bag storage. The route includes stairs and escalators; wheelchair users should contact the tour team after booking to arrange assistance. Dressing-room access can change on match days. See the official tour FAQ for the conditions that apply to your visit.
The Construction and Opening of the Stadium
The development of the Johan Cruijff ArenA was a significant project for the city of Amsterdam during the 1990s. The city required a modern replacement for De Meer Stadium and the Olympic Stadium, which no longer met the increasing demands for capacity and safety. Construction began in 1993, following a design by architect Rob Schuurman in collaboration with Sjoerd Soeters and Benthem Crouwel Architects. The project was part of a broader urban renewal plan for the Amsterdam-Zuidoost district, transforming it into a commercial and entertainment hub.
The stadium was officially inaugurated on August 14, 1996. The opening ceremony featured a friendly match between AFC Ajax and AC Milan. At the time of its completion, it was the first stadium in Europe to feature a retractable roof. This innovation allowed the venue to host events regardless of weather conditions, though the early years were marked by challenges regarding the quality of the grass pitch due to the lack of sunlight and airflow within the enclosed structure.
Tip: The official opening of the stadium occurred on August 14, 1996, in the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Plan your stadium tour
Choose a Classic, guided or VIP visit and check availability with the stadium.
View official Johan Cruijff ArenA tours
Match and concert tickets are separate bookings.
Architectural Features and the Retractable Roof
The Johan Cruijff ArenA is characterized by its distinct bowl shape and the two massive arches that support the retractable roof. These arches are 115 meters long and 24 meters high. The roof itself consists of two movable panels, each measuring 37 by 110 meters. When the roof is operated, it takes approximately 18 to 20 minutes to fully open or close. This mechanism is primarily used to protect the pitch from heavy rain or to provide a climate-controlled environment for indoor concerts and events.
Inside the stadium, the seating is divided into two main tiers, with a total capacity of approximately 55,885 for football matches. For concerts, the capacity can increase to 68,000 depending on the stage configuration. The stadium also includes 76 skyboxes and several business lounges. The proximity of the stands to the pitch was designed to ensure clear sightlines for all spectators. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations to improve the concourses, including the expansion of the East and South stands to provide more space and facilities for fans.
Tip: The two movable roof panels of the stadium each have a weight of approximately 520 tons.
Johan Cruijff ArenA: the home of Ajax
The Renaming and Legacy of Johan Cruijff
The decision to rename the stadium was made following the death of Johan Cruijff in 2016. Cruijff is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in football history, both as a player for Ajax and the Dutch national team and as a visionary coach. The renaming process was a collaborative effort between the stadium management, the municipality of Amsterdam, and AFC Ajax. The official name change to Johan Cruijff ArenA took effect at the start of the 2018-2019 football season.
The renaming is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects the deep connection between the venue and the philosophy of Cruijff. A large mural of the player is situated near the main entrance, and his likeness is integrated into the stadium’s branding. The “Cruijff Court” initiative and the Johan Cruyff Foundation also have ties to the stadium, promoting sports and education for children. For many visitors, the stadium serves as a monument to the “Total Football” era that Cruijff helped define on the global stage.
(the post will continue after the next block)
Did you know this about Amsterdam?
Amsterdamse Bos
The vast Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest green areas near the city and is actually three times larger than New York’s Central Park. Although many visitors think it is a natural forest, the area was carefully designed and planted in the 1930s as a large recreational park for the people of Amsterdam.
What makes the Amsterdamse Bos unique is that much of the forest was built by hand during the Great Depression, when thousands of workers planted trees, dug lakes, and created paths. Today the park offers open meadows, rowing lakes, and cycling routes, making it a popular place for nature, sports, and relaxation.
Sustainability and the Smart Stadium Concept
The Johan Cruijff ArenA is a global leader in stadium sustainability and technological innovation. It operates as a “living lab” for the Amsterdam Innovation Arena. One of the most significant features is the massive solar array on the roof. Thousands of solar panels provide a substantial portion of the stadium’s energy needs. Furthermore, the stadium utilizes a circular energy storage system made from second-life electric vehicle batteries. This system, which is the largest of its kind in a commercial building in Europe, stores energy from the solar panels and provides back-up power during outages.
Rainwater harvesting is another key sustainability feature. Water collected from the roof is stored and used to irrigate the grass pitch, reducing the demand on the city’s potable water supply. The stadium also uses deep-lake cooling from the nearby Ouderkerkerplas to regulate temperatures in the offices and lounges. These initiatives have earned the Johan Cruijff ArenA numerous international awards for green building management and smart city integration.
Tip: The stadium roof is equipped with 4,200 solar panels, covering a total surface area of approximately 7,000 square meters.
Visitor Facilities and the Ajax Gallery of Fame
For those visiting outside of match days, the Johan Cruijff ArenA offers a comprehensive Stadium Tour. This tour provides access to areas usually closed to the public, such as the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and the dugout. A highlight of the visit is the Ajax Gallery of Fame. This museum section documents the history of the club, showcasing trophies such as the UEFA Champions League cups, historical jerseys, and memorabilia from legendary players.
The stadium is also equipped with modern catering facilities. There are dozens of snack bars and kiosks distributed throughout the concourses, as well as high-end restaurants like “Onze Trots.” The area surrounding the stadium, known as the Arena Boulevard, features the official Ajax Fanshop, where visitors can purchase official merchandise. The boulevard is also home to other major venues, including the Ziggo Dome and AFAS Live, making it the primary entertainment district of Amsterdam.
Johan Cruijff ArenA: roof, stadium tours and visitor tips
Visiting the Johan Cruijff ArenA for an Ajax stadium tour, a match or a concert? Start with the entrance and travel information below. The Classic Tour takes about 75 minutes, while match and concert visits follow their own ticket and entry rules. Read on for the stadium’s architecture, history and Ajax connections.
Practical Information for Match Days and Events
Attending an event at the Johan Cruijff ArenA requires some preparation regarding logistics. The stadium is situated at Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1. On match days, the surrounding area becomes very busy, and public transport is the most efficient way to reach the venue. The Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station is served by trains from Utrecht and Schiphol, as well as Metro lines 50 and 54.
Security at the stadium is strict, and there are specific regulations regarding the size of bags permitted inside. Generally, only bags of A4 size or smaller are allowed. Digital ticketing is the standard, and fans are encouraged to use the official stadium app for navigation and updates. Cashless payment is implemented throughout the venue, meaning you must use a debit or credit card for all transactions at the food and beverage kiosks.
Before travelling: Check your ticket’s entrance, event times and the stadium’s current visitor information; fanshop opening hours can vary.
Take a virtual tour with Google Streetview!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get to the Johan Cruijff ArenA from Amsterdam Central?
The fastest way is to take Metro line 54 towards Gein. Exit at the Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station. The walk from the station to the stadium entrance takes approximately five minutes.
Can I visit the locker rooms during a stadium tour?
Dressing-room access is not guaranteed. It can be restricted on match days, including some away-match days. Check the official tour FAQ before booking if this is important to you.
Is the stadium roof always closed during matches?
No. The retractable roof can be open or closed, depending on the event and operating conditions. Check the stadium’s event-specific visitor information rather than assuming it will be closed for every match or concert.
Where can I buy tickets for a match?
Tickets for AFC Ajax matches are sold primarily through the official Ajax website. Due to high demand, it is recommended to book well in advance, especially for European fixtures or the “Klassieker” against Feyenoord.
Is the Johan Cruijff ArenA accessible for wheelchair users?
Wheelchair users can arrange a stadium tour, but should contact the tour team after booking so a suitable route and guide can be arranged. Match and concert accessibility arrangements should be checked for the specific event.
Sources
- Johan Cruijff ArenA. (2024). Stadium History and Facts.
- AFC Ajax. (2023). The Ajax Gallery of Fame. https://www.ajax.nl/fans/stadiontour
- Gemeente Amsterdam. (2022). Urban Development in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.
- Benthem Crouwel Architects. (1996). Project Archive: Amsterdam ArenA.
- Johan Cruyff Foundation. (2023). Legacy and Renaming of the Stadium.
Leave a Reply