Stade Edmond Machtens
Molenbeek, Belgium
Capacity
50000
About this place
History
The King Baudouin Stadium opened in 1930 under the name Stade du Jubilé, built to commemorate Belgium’s centenary of independence. Later renamed Stade du Heysel, it became infamous after the Heysel disaster in 1985 during the European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, which tragically claimed 39 lives. Following that tragedy, the venue was completely renovated and reopened in 1995 under its current name, honoring King Baudouin, who had passed away two years earlier. Since then, it has served as Belgium’s main stadium for football, athletics, and national events.
Architecture
The stadium has a capacity of around 50,000 spectators, making it the largest in Belgium. Its oval design accommodates both football and athletics, with a running track surrounding the pitch. Renovations in the 1990s modernized the seating, hospitality, and security systems, while further updates have kept the venue in line with international standards. The stadium also houses training facilities and multipurpose spaces for conferences and events.
Location
Located in the Heysel district of Brussels, the stadium sits next to the Atomium and the Brussels Expo exhibition center. It is well connected by metro, tram, and bus, with Heysel metro station just a short walk away. Its position in the capital makes it highly accessible for both Belgian and international visitors.
Why the Stadium is Special
As Belgium’s national stadium, King Baudouin Stadium is the regular home of the Red Devils, the country’s beloved national football team. It also hosts the annual Memorial Van Damme, a prestigious athletics meeting that is part of the Diamond League, and has welcomed concerts by global stars such as U2 and the Rolling Stones. Its combination of football heritage, athletics tradition, and cultural events makes it a true national landmark.
