Front exterior of the Johan Cruijff ArenA with the Johan Cruijff portrait and North B entrance in Amsterdam.
Venue guide · Amsterdam

Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam

Visit the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam for Ajax and Netherlands football, major concerts and stadium tours, with tickets, seating, travel, parking and accessibility information.

26 upcoming events

Johan Cruijff ArenA agenda: upcoming events

See what is coming up at this venue in Amsterdam.

Coming up: Netherlands-Greece (13 Nov), AFC Ajax vs ADO Den Haag Tickets (21 Nov), AFC Ajax vs FC Thun - Conference League 2026-2027 Tickets (26 Nov), Ajax - FC Den Bosch (3 Dec), Ajax - FC Utrecht (6 Dec), Ajax - SC Cambuur (13 Dec) and more.

About the Johan Cruijff ArenA

The Johan Cruijff ArenA is Amsterdam's largest stadium: home of AFC Ajax and a stage for Netherlands football, major concerts, dance events, business events and stadium tours.

The stadium opened as the Amsterdam ArenA on 14 August 1996 and was renamed in 2018 in honour of Amsterdam-born player and coach Johan Cruijff. Its retractable roof introduced that feature to European stadium design.

The official calendar is the best source for the current programme, organiser, ticket route and event-specific visitor information.

Key details

Opened
14 August 1996
Renamed
Johan Cruijff ArenA in 2018
Home club
AFC Ajax
Venue type
Football stadium and large event venue

Calendar, tickets, opening and door times

Times and ticket sellers depend on the event. Check the official calendar, your ticket and the organiser before travelling.

On Ajax matchdays, most gates admit visitors 90 minutes ahead of kick-off; Entrance E begins admitting them an hour earlier than that. KNVB matches and concerts use event-specific times.

On non-event days, the official FAQ lists 07:00–18:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00–18:00 at weekends, with access through Main Entrance E. Ajax tickets are sold by Ajax; concert tickets are sold by the organiser named in the calendar item.

Key details

Ajax stadium opening
Normally 1.5 hours before kick-off
Main Entrance E for Ajax
Normally 2.5 hours before kick-off
Concert and KNVB times
See the event calendar

Good to know

  • Keep the correct mobile or e-ticket ready.
  • Use only the concert entrance printed on your ticket.

Capacity, seating plan and event layouts

The football configuration has 55,885 seats. The organiser's event plan and your ticket determine the exact section, seat or standing area.

The two steep tiers are designed to keep sightlines close to the pitch. The second tier has 27 rows; first-tier row counts differ by section.

Concert productions can use an end stage, an in-the-round stage or a panorama setting. Open the relevant calendar item for the section plan; individual seat numbers are supplied by the ticket seller.

Key details

Football capacity
55,885 seats
Second tier
27 rows
Concert layouts
End, in-the-round or panorama

Good to know

  • Check whether your ticket is seated, standing or wheelchair-accessible.
  • Sightlines and production layouts are event-specific.

Accessibility, wheelchair spaces and sensory support

The official accessibility guide covers accessible tickets, companion places, lifts, toilets, assistance dogs, audio description and sensory support.

A wheelchair-accessible ticket includes one companion place. The first tier is less steep for visitors who prefer fewer steps. Wheelchair platforms have nearby toilets, while lifts from Entrance E provide access to an adapted toilet at each floor.

Live audio description is available for Ajax matches through ajax.nl/audio. During announced 2026 summer concerts, audio description is offered through the event page; visitors use their own phone and earphones.

Field-ticket holders who meet the eligibility criteria may arrange use of a low-stimulus space on the ArenAdek for a concert. Contact the venue in advance for lift use or individual arrangements.

Key details

Wheelchair places
Include one companion place
Accessible toilets
Near wheelchair platforms and every level by Entrance E
Audio description
Ajax and selected announced concerts
Sensory-friendly unit
Request in advance for eligible concert field-ticket holders

Good to know

  • Buy accessible seating through the event organiser.
  • Use the contact form before visiting with specific access needs.

Public transport, cycling, parking and drop-off

From either Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA or Strandvliet, the walk to the stadium is brief. Public transport is recommended for major events; reserve car parking in advance.

Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA has train, metro and bus services. Operators may add capacity on large concert nights, so check NS, GVB and the ArenA mobility portal for live changes.

Cyclists can use 1,400 spaces in the zone separating the North C and North D entrances. A secured facility is available near Villa ArenA/Main Entrance E.

P1 is beneath the stadium and is the nearest garage for tours and non-event visits. Event garages have event-specific opening windows, routes and prices; use the mobility portal or Wizzymaps for the recommended garage and entrance.

Key details

Main station
Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA
Alternative metro
Strandvliet
Cycle spaces
1,400 between North C and D
Nearest garage
P1 beneath the stadium

Good to know

  • Allow extra time for event crowds.
  • Reserve parking and follow current signs and steward directions.

Food, payment, bags, lockers and house rules

Food and drink outlets vary by event and section. The stadium is cashless, smoke-free and admits only small bags.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Alcohol is not served to visitors under 18. Pay by debit card or supported credit card, including contactless; cash is not accepted. Toilets are available throughout the stadium and there are four first-aid posts.

Only bags up to 30 × 21 × 10 cm are admitted after inspection. Larger bags and suitcases are refused. There are no lockers inside and entrances cannot store refused items; paid Lockerpoint locations are nearby above Ziggo Dome and at P5/Villa ArenA.

Smoking is prohibited throughout. Camera, age, power-bank and re-entry rules can change by event, so read the organiser's current information. Helmets are not admitted.

Key details

Payment
Cashless: debit card or supported credit card
Maximum bag size
30 × 21 × 10 cm
Lockers in stadium
Not available
Smoking
Not permitted
First-aid posts
Four

Good to know

  • Travel without a large bag whenever possible.
  • Check your event page for section catering and camera or age rules.

Stadium tours and Main Entrance E

The stadium-tour meeting point is at Main Entrance E, by the ArenA Café and Ajax Fan Shop. Book ahead for the best choice of times.

Tour routes can include stairs and escalators, while operational areas such as the Ajax dressing room may be unavailable on match or event days.

Wheelchair users should book first and then contact [email protected] so a suitable guide and route can be arranged. Current times and prices are published in the official tour shop. Phones and small handheld cameras are allowed; professional cameras are not.

Key details

Tour start
Main Entrance E
Advance booking
Recommended
Wheelchair planning
Contact the tour team after booking

Good to know

  • Check the shop for current opening times.
  • Do not assume the Ajax dressing room is available.

Retractable roof, scale and sustainability

The ArenA combines a retractable roof and steep two-tier seating with large-scale energy and sustainability systems.

The official stadium facts list a height of 78 metres, more than 4,200 solar panels, a 3 MW battery and more than two million visitors in a typical year.

The venue has hosted landmark football matches and major international artists since opening in 1996.

Key details

Highest point
78 metres
Solar panels
More than 4,200
Battery
3 MW
Typical annual visitors
2M+ per year

Frequently asked questions about the Johan Cruijff ArenA

Quick answers for planning a match, concert or stadium-tour visit.

Frequently asked questions

What events are at the Johan Cruijff ArenA?

The official calendar lists Ajax and Netherlands football, concerts and other public events. The event item identifies the organiser, ticket route and visitor information.

How early does the Johan Cruijff ArenA open?

Ajax matches normally open 1.5 hours before kick-off, with Main Entrance E 2.5 hours before. Concerts and KNVB matches have event-specific times.

What bags can I take into the ArenA?

Only bags up to 30 × 21 × 10 cm are allowed after inspection. Larger bags and suitcases are refused, and there are no lockers inside.

Which station is closest?

Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA is the main train, metro and bus station. Strandvliet metro station is also a short walk away.

Is the ArenA wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Accessible tickets include a companion place, lifts and accessible toilets are available, and event-specific support can be arranged in advance.

Can I pay cash in the stadium?

No. The stadium is cashless and accepts debit cards and supported credit cards, including contactless payment.

Where do stadium tours start?

Meet at Main Entrance E; the Ajax Fan Shop and ArenA Café are the adjacent landmarks. Check the shop for current times.

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