De Grolsch Veste
Where local pride meets national orange glory.
De Grolsch Veste is the stadium of football club FC Twente, located in Enschede, Netherlands. It has an all-seated capacity of 30,205 and hosted the final of the UEFA Women's Euro 2017. The stadium replaced the old Diekman Stadion as FC Twente's home ground on 10 May 1998. On 5 September 2009, for the first time ever an international (friendly) match was played in the FC Twente stadium when the Netherlands beat Japan 3–0.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Colosseum 65
- 7521 PP Enschede
- Netherlands
- Groundbreaking
- 31 January 1997
- Built
- 1997–1998
- Opened
- 10 May 1998
- Expanded
- September 2008
- Owner
- Twente
- Surface
- Grass
- Cost
- ƒ 33 million; € 50 million (1st expansion)
Lore & Background
The connection between this venue and the national team is built on a single historic friendly. On 5 September 2009, the Netherlands national team played Japan at De Grolsch Veste, winning 3–0. That match marked the first international ever held at the stadium. The stadium itself has a rich club history: the first match played there was a 3–0 victory by FC Twente against PSV on 10 May 1998, with the first goal scored in the 14th minute by Chris De Witte. The stadium was originally named Arke Stadion before being renamed De Grolsch Veste in May 2008, with beer brewery Grolsch as sponsor. The name 'Veste' (fortress) references Groenlo, a former fortified town where Grolsch was first brewed.
Reader's Guide
Opened in 1998 in Enschede, this modern venue occasionally hosts Netherlands National Team friendlies and qualifiers, transforming the local blue-and-white atmosphere into an orange sea. When Oranje plays here, specific sections are designated for national fans to sing anthems together. The symbolism of orange remains central; even at a club ground, the entire stadium often dresses in the color during international windows. Hosting history includes notable victories against major European rivals, creating memorable nights for Dutch football history. While not a permanent home like Amsterdam ArenA, De Grolsch Veste offers an intimate, high-energy environment unique to the eastern Netherlands. Fans appreciate the proximity of stands to the pitch, enhancing the vocal support during crucial World Cup qualifiers or friendly encounters held within its boundaries.
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