Experience is number one
When the club left its old home in the Zuiderpark the fans feared a loss of atmosphere. That is the reason the architectural studio ZJA produced a design in which everything is tuned to the enhancement of spectator experience. First, there is the central hall, where supporters have a clear view of the players making the climb from the dressing rooms to the pitch.
The food court with concessions stands and the fan shop was given extra width, to offer inviting and comfortable access to the supporters. The 15.000 seats in the stadium offer an optimal view of the pitch. The front seats are only 4 meters away from the grass. At the corners of the stadium the rows of seats bend in such a way that there are no gaps in the rows of seats that would break up the crowd. This enables the crowd to more easily feel like one big cheering family when they are close together. For the same reason the acoustics of the stadium are not too muted. It works like a sound box. On entering the stadium, the enthusiasm from the stands should be engulfing. As the roof follows the outer line of the stands, all spectators are kept dry when it rains.
