Tomorrow every KV Mechelen fan can come and take whatever is available from the north stand. It’s awaiting demolition to make way for a new, much greater structure.

Last weekend KVM fans officially bid farewell to their northern terrace at Argos Stadion. It was a night to remember for many as “Malinwa” managed to beat Waregem 3:0.

That was the last home game of the season and recent days saw preliminary site clearance for demolition. All demountable elements were removed from the section (red in below photo) and now fans may claim them. Tomorrow from noon old railings, fences, seats will be up for grabs as souvenirs.

Soon the old structure will give way to heavy machinery and in the upcoming season it will be replaced by a new one, double-tiered. Its sloped roof will become a distinctive feature, lowering towards the north-eastern corner of the stadium.

Eventually also the western grandstand will be replaced by a similar structure, both of which are to raise total capacity to 18,000. The project is estimated to cost €8.5 million, of which Mechelen hope to raise €3.5 in bonds from supporters and local businesses.