GelreDome
A retractable-roof stadium in Arnhem, home to Vitesse and host of Euro 2000 matches.
The GelreDome is a retractable roof and pitch football stadium in the city of Arnhem, Netherlands. Built from 1996 to 1998 at a cost equivalent to €75 million, it opened on 25 March 1998. The stadium has been the home of association football club Vitesse Arnhem since 1998. It was one of the stadiums used during the Euro 2000 tournament held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Quick Facts
- Distinctive feature
- Fixed roof and retractable pitch
Lore & Background
The GelreDome replaced the Nieuw Monnikenhuize Stadion as Vitesse's home ground on 25 March 1998. The first match played at the stadium was a 4–1 victory by the home team against NAC Breda in an Eredivisie match. The first goal in the new stadium was scored by Vitesse player Dejan Čurović. Three international matches of the Netherlands national football team were played in the stadium, the first being on May 27, 1998: a friendly against Cameroon (0–1). The last one, played on April 26, 2000, was also a friendly: a 0–0 against Scotland. In 2019, the Netherlands women's national team also played an international (friendly) match at the stadium. The GelreDome was the location for three UEFA Euro 2000 group stage matches, as well as the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship tournament.
Reader's Guide
The stadium has a retractable roof, as well as a convertible pitch that can be retracted when unused during concerts or other events held at the stadium, and a climate control system. It has a capacity of 34,000 people for sports events, or 41,000 during concerts. The GelreDome pitch is surrounded on each side by four covered all-seater stands, officially known as the Edward Sturing Stand (North), Charly Bosveld Stand (East), Theo Bos Stand (South) and Just Göbel Stand (West). The GelreDome currently holds a four-star rating by UEFA. The Vitesse Museum is situated within the stadium, showcasing Vitesse's club history. The stadium can be reached by a 10-minute bike ride from the Arnhem main railway station. Bus lines 7 and 331, departing from the Arnhem railway station, call at the 'GelreDome-stadion' bus stop, just outside the stadium.
Did You Know?
- The first music act to perform at the stadium was the Spice Girls.
- The stadium hosted Qlimax, a Q-dance event, from 2003 to 2024.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the GelreDome located?
The stadium is situated in Arnhem, Netherlands, serving as a key venue for national team matches when larger cities are unavailable. Its location makes it an accessible alternative for hosting friendlies and qualifiers across the country.
When did the GelreDome first open its doors?
The stadium officially opened in 1998, marking a new era for multi-purpose sports facilities in the Netherlands. Since then, it has occasionally hosted the national team for important international fixtures.
Is the GelreDome the permanent home of the Netherlands National Team?
No, it is not a permanent base like De Kuip or the Amsterdam ArenA, but rather an occasional host for friendlies and qualifiers. The team utilizes this venue primarily during scheduling conflicts or when specific tournament needs arise.
How does the retractable roof benefit Oranje matches at GelreDome?
The roof allows games to proceed regardless of rain or wind, ensuring consistent playing conditions for both players and fans. This feature transforms the arena into a flexible stage that can adapt instantly from an open-air atmosphere to an enclosed environment.
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