“Great atmosphere!”, “Impressive!” and “Magnificent!”. Three terms often used when referring to a visit to De Grolsch Veste, home of FC Twente. The Enschede stadium holds more than 24,000 seats, all with an excellent view of the pitch. It’s a proper football stadium that caterers to the needs of the many types of supporters that come and watch our matches.
Actual construction of the stadium began in 1997 when first pile of the new ground, the Arke Stadion, was driven into the ground. In 1998 the stadium was officially opened and it soon became clear that the 13,000+ seats available were not enough to meet the huge demand from sponsors and supporters. Hence the issue of a new extension was soon raised. This was completed in 2008. Enschede could now boast a multi-purpose stadium capable of holding 24,000 people.
Sponsors & supporters
The needs and wants of both sponsors and supporters lay at the heart of the redevelopment plans. It was also important that the Grolsch Veste could be used for other purposes than just FC Twente’s home fixtures. The aim was to be able to have 24/7 availability for Meetings & Events. The club’s rich history and the three pillars at the heart of FC Twente: football, a great atmosphere and solidarity also had to be taken into account. All these aims have been achieved successfully. The attention to detail is clearly visible throughout the entire stadium and its look and feel is equally impressive.
Diversity
De Grolsch Veste distinguishes itself from other grounds, because it is able to offer a diverse pallet of options and opportunities. On match days, all of the many features of the new stadium demonstrate their potential. The large amount of commercial space available within the stadium ensures that everyone is catered for. This includes more than 50 sky boxes, a huge restaurant, several individually designed meeting rooms, and an impressive main entrance. All these features make the new stadium an ideal meeting place to meet, for both spectators and business people.
Facilities
To supporters, attending a home game is a unique and unrivalled experience. The atmosphere on match days, greatly enhanced by the stadium’s design, never ceases to amaze. The fans are seated right next to the pitch and can thus enjoy the game up close. There’s no shortage of facilities either. The stadium runs all the catering itself. That way the stadium can cater to the fans’ needs. Large video screens and over 200 television sets around the ground ensure that nothing is missed. Because the stadium has been equipped with a high-tech infrastructure, every area within the stadium can be supplied with relevant and specific information making the fans feel right at home inside the stadium. De Grolsch Veste ticks all the boxes when it comes to turning an event into an unforgettable experience. This is why the KNVB decided to pick this venue for the match between The Netherlands and Japan and include the stadium as a playing venue in the Dutch Bid for the 2018 World Cup.
Accessibility
De Grolsch Veste is situated right next to Drienerlo train station and also has a bus stop right outside. In addition, there are 1,000 parking spaces around the ground. FC Twente encourages all spectators travelling to their home games to use public transport when doing so. Extra trains are then made available to and from the Grolsch Veste. There is also a free shuttle service to and from the stadium leaving from the main square at the University of Twente.
New extension
FC Twente’s home games are very popular and the huge demand is currently exceeding supply, suggesting that yet another new development of the stadium is required. In 2011, the stadium will once again be expanded to hold a 32,000 capacity home crowd. For this development, the second short side terracing is to be raised.
This is not just a good development for FC Twente and the city of Enschede. It will also provide a new economic boost to the Twente region as a whole. The Grolsch Veste is already considered the largest business and conference centre in the east of The Netherlands, and the new extension will only serve to strengthen that position.
Johan Cruyff College
De Grolsch Veste is not just the exclusive home base of FC Twente. The west wing of the Grolsch Veste currently boasts a health centre. This is also the place where the Johan Cruyff College is situated. Room will also be created for the ROC’s Sport and Activity program. FC Twente wants to stay true to its base and remain an integral part of society. All these developments are evidence of the club’s intentions to do so. The agreements that have been concluded with the University of Twente, Saxion and the ROC Twente also serve to contribute to the achievement of these aims.