The Mandemakers Stadium is a football stadium located in Waalwijk. The stadium is the home ground of Dutch football club RKC Waalwijk.
History
The stadium opened its doors in September 1996. However, RKC has been playing at this location for some time: the Mandemakers Stadium was built on the same spot as the old Sportpark Olympia (this stadium, due to its appearance and small capacity, was also known as “the Bicycle shed”). In the first years, the newly built stadium retained the name of its predecessor, but in 1999 it was renamed and given its current name; a naming after its main sponsor, Mandemakers Keukens.
When built, the stadium could accommodate 6,000 spectators spread over four stands. No moat was constructed, which was initially intended; a groundwater level that was too high hindered this. The stadium’s lamp-posts were taken over from NAC Breda, which was also working on a new stadium at the time.
Later, stand sections were built between the four stands, so the stadium now has no open corners. Mandemakers Stadium has since accommodated around 7,500 spectators. An artificial turf pitch had been here since 2014, but it was converted back to natural grass in the summer of 2019.
