AFAS Stadion – stadium description

Built on site of former brewery, the ground was located Just behind an artillery garrison. Since then it has been nicknamed “Achter de Kazerne” (“Behind the Garrison”). Oldest current stand dates back to 1950’s, when the ground was still owned by KV Mechelen. The football side lost ownership after 98 years in 2009, when it went bankrupt and transferred their venue to the municipality.

From 2003 to 2006, the venue was named Scarletstadion, thanks to a sponsorship deal with telecommunications company Scarlet. This was the first time stadium naming rights were sold in Belgium. Subsequent title sponsors of the venue were Veolia and Argos Oil, and since 2015 it has been AFAS Software. For the fans, however, it is invariably Achter de Kazerne.

As it turned out, the stadium being public opened doors to a major investment, in fact the largest reconstruction in KV Mechelen’s history. Within just over a year capacity of the stadium grew by over 4,000 people while its standard changed beyond comparison.

Two old grandstands (south and east) were retained and renovated thoroughly. Two other gave way in order to allow for new double-tiered stands with a common corner section. With their uniquely sloped shape, the stands offer both standing, seating and corporate boxes, in order to satisfy changing demand. Aside from that, there’s room planned for offices and a kindergarten for daily use.

In spring of 2018 construction began on a brand new main grandstand, along the south side of the field. Within just a few months a 5-level structure was erected, housing brand new facilities for corporate guests and media representatives. It replaced the old structure, from 1952.