Kaliningrad Stadium
Russia
About this place
History
De Kuip, officially Stadion Feijenoord, opened on March 27, 1937, in Rotterdam. Designed by Brinkman and Van der Vlugt for Feyenoord’s president Leen van Zandvliet, it was built in just 10 months. Originally seating over 60,000, it later expanded to nearly 70,000 before being converted to a 51,117-seat all-seater venue in a major 1994 renovation. It has hosted ten European finals and was a key venue for UEFA Euro 2000, including the final.
Description
The football-only stadium currently holds about 51,117 seats (with 48,000 sold on matchdays). Four covered tiers form an intimate bowl around a natural grass pitch (105 × 68 m), with stands close to the action and steep sightlines.
Architectural Features
Built using steel, concrete, and glass, De Kuip features free-hanging terraces with no supporting pillars. A sweeping roof added in 1994 now covers all stands. The Maasgebouw complex next door houses hospitality suites, conference facilities, a club museum, and retail space.
What is “De Kuip”?
“De Kuip,” meaning “the tub” or “the basin” in Dutch, is the stadium’s nickname inspired by its bowl shape. The official name, Stadion Feijenoord, refers to the district in Rotterdam where it’s located.
Records
The record attendance was over 69,000 in its heyday, with a peak of 67,000 during the 1972 European Cup Final. Since the 1994 conversion, capacity is 51,117. The stadium also reached 50,000 spectators for concerts and holds the Dutch record for attendances at major events like Bob Dylan in 1978.
