As we write this, supporters for the first time stand at the modernized and expanded south stand. Amsterdam ArenA’s total capacity for the first time ever exceeds 54,000 people!

This afternoon marks a new beginning for supporters of Ajax Amsterdam at Amsterdam ArenA. All most vocal groups are now located in the lower south stand which was modernized for their use. Starting today there are 4,248 new foldable seats instead of the ones installed in 1996.

As we’re writing this, Ajax are facing ADO Den Haag in the first game of the new areas. Lack of time before that game is one of reasons why only a couple hundred seats have safety railings. In upcoming months all sections of the south stand will be transformed into a safe standing area.

Refreshed south end is only the first to receive red seats. By the end of 2017 (or early into 2018) all of the stadium should be in this uniform layout, only decorated with black and white symbols of Ajax and Amsterdam.

Thanks to the south stand’s additional four rows capacity grew by 402 seats. This means that total capacity of Amsterdam ArenA is now 54,033. When it opened in 1996 that number was 51,133 so the stadium has already grown by nearly 4,000 seats. Majority of them were added within the moat separating fans and the field.

© FC Ajax

© FC Ajax

© FC Ajax