De Meer Stadion

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Lore & Background

Over time, as Ajax's popularity and success grew, the De Meer proved to be too small. From 1930 onward, Ajax played their big (European) games at the Olympic Stadium. The larger venue also hosted Ajax's midweek night games, since the De Meer Stadion lacked floodlights until the mid-seventies. The Netherlands national football team played five international matches at the stadium, winning all of them. The first match, on 22 August 1973, was a qualifying match for the 1974 FIFA World Cup against Iceland (5-0). The last international match, played on 25 March 1992, was a friendly against Yugoslavia (2-0). Ajax left the De Meer after the opening of the purpose-built Amsterdam Arena in 1996, which since 2018 is called the Johan Cruyff Arena. The final match at De Meer was an Eredivisie game which saw Ajax hosting Willem II on 28 April 1996. The home side won 5–1 with Finidi George scoring a hat trick, but the final goal in the stadium was scored by Willem II striker Jack de Gier. Following the club's departure, the De Meer was demolished to make way for a housing development. The stadium is commemorated by having the new streets named after famous football stadia where Ajax played famous away matches, such as Anfield, Wembley or Bernabeu. The centre spot was recreated symbolically as the real centre spot was built over. There are also little bridges named after famous Ajax players like Johan Cruyff, Piet Keizer and Sjaak Swart, as well as a bridge named after manager Rinus Michels.

In Their Own Story

The final chapter of De Meer Stadion concluded on 28 April 1996 with an Eredivisie match against Willem II. Ajax won 5–1, led by Finidi George's hat trick, though the very last goal scored in the stadium was netted by Willem II striker Jack de Gier. Following this farewell, Ajax moved to the purpose-built Amsterdam Arena (now Johan Cruyff Arena). The original De Meer site was demolished to create a housing development. In a unique tribute, new streets were named after famous away stadiums like Anfield and Wembley, while small bridges honor legends such as Johan Cruyff, Piet Keizer, Sjaak Swart, and manager Rinus Michels.

Reader's Guide

The stadium was located in Amsterdam. It is no longer standing; the site is now a housing development. The final match was on 28 April 1996, Ajax vs Willem II (5-1).

Did You Know?

• The stadium opened in 1934, replacing Het Houten Stadion.
• It lacked floodlights until the mid-seventies.
• The Netherlands national team played five matches there, winning all.
• The final goal at De Meer was scored by Willem II's Jack de Gier.