Amsterdam, Netherlands · Stadium
Europe's first stadium with a retractable roof
Ajax's home in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, named after Johan Cruyff. Its sliding roof makes it a year-round venue for football, big concerts and dance events.
Godenzonen (Sons of the Gods)
Famous for its youth academy and Total Football, Ajax left the old De Meer stadium for the ArenA in 1996. In 2018 the stadium was renamed after Johan Cruijff, the club's greatest player.
Biggest honours
The Amsterdam ArenA opened in August 1996 as the first stadium in Europe with a retractable roof. It replaced Ajax's old De Meer stadium and the Olympic Stadium as the club's home.
Two years later it hosted the 1998 Champions League final. It became a centre for huge dance events like Sensation and for stadium tours by the world's biggest artists.
In 2018 it was renamed after Johan Cruyff, the Ajax and Barcelona legend who changed modern football. The stadium is also a test site for sustainability, with solar panels and battery storage made from used car batteries.
Predrag Mijatović's goal won Real Madrid their first European Cup in 32 years.
The Netherlands lost the Euro 2000 semi-final to Italy on penalties after missing two penalties in normal time.
A team of young talents beat Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the Champions League semi-finals.
Indicative layout of Johan Cruijff ArenA for concerts — exact blocks vary by show.
Pitch / stage
Pitch / floor
Lower ring
Close to the pitch, with standing fans behind the goal on match days.
Upper ring
High and steep with a full view, recommended for concerts in the round.
Bijlmer ArenA is very busy straight after the show. Strandvliet is usually quieter, or eat on the ArenA Boulevard and leave later.
Bags larger than A4 are not allowed. Paid lockers are available near the stadium.
Modern hotels within walking distance, often cheaper than the centre.
The classic Amsterdam base, 15 minutes by train.
Good connections and calmer neighbourhoods.
Planning the whole trip?
Read our Amsterdam guide: where to stay, getting around, food and local tips.
Open the Amsterdam guideLive from Ticketmaster, with full trip prices.
It depends on the show and the weather — most big concerts close it.
Yes, tours run on most days without events.