Location Amsterdam Closed 1996 Capacity 19,000 Owner AFC Ajax | Surface Grass Opened 9 December 1934 Demolished 1998 Architect Jordanus Roodenburgh | |
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Similar Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam Arena, Blundell Park, Het Houten Stadion, Adams Park | ||
De meer stadion
De Meer Stadion ( [də ˈmeːr ˈstaːdijɔn]) is the former stadium of AFC Ajax. It was opened in 1934 as a result of the club's former stadium being too small. Upon completion, it could hold 22,000 spectators, but accommodating up to 29,500 at its maximum. Increasing safety requirements gradually reduced this number to 19,000.
Over time, as Ajax's popularity and success grew, the De Meer proved to be too small. From 1928 onward, Ajax played their big European games at the Olympisch Stadion. The larger venue also hosted Ajax's midweek night games, since the De Meer was not suited for floodlights. The De Meer was abandoned with the opening of the purpose built Amsterdam ArenA in 1996.
The Dutch national football team played five international matches at the stadium, winning all of them. The first one, on August 22, 1973 was a qualifying match for the 1974 FIFA World Cup against Iceland (5-0). The last one, played on March 25, 1992, was a friendly against Yugoslavia (2-0).
Following the club's departure, the De Meer was demolished to make way for a housing development. However, the area is commemorated by having the new streets named after famous football stadia from around the world. The centerspot was recreated cosmetically as the real centerspot was built over.
