GelreDome

GelreDome was conceived to replace Vitesse Arnhem's ageing previous ground with a forward-looking multipurpose arena capable of meeting the demands of Eredivisie football and major entertainment events.

Construction and opening

Construction began in 1996 and was completed in time for the stadium's inauguration on 25 March 1998, with a total investment equivalent to EUR 75 million. The centrepiece innovations were the retractable roof — allowing the bowl to be covered fully regardless of weather — and the sliding pitch system, which uses electromechanical tracks to move the entire grass surface out of the stadium for maintenance or to vacate the floor for alternative uses. At the time of opening, this combination made GelreDome one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.

Major milestones

In 2000, GelreDome was selected as one of the host stadiums for UEFA Euro 2000, the European Championship jointly organised by the Netherlands and Belgium. The stadium hosted group-stage matches and welcomed supporters from across the continent. Vitesse Arnhem has since used the ground as a base for campaigns in both the Eredivisie and European competitions, with the venue witnessing several historic club moments.

Multipurpose era

Since the early 2000s, GelreDome has established itself as one of the Netherlands' premier multipurpose venues. The retractable roof enables events regardless of season, while the sliding pitch allows the space to be reconfigured for concerts accommodating tens of thousands of visitors. This flexibility has made GelreDome a year-round cultural and sporting hub for Arnhem and the wider Gelderland region.

GelreDome generates a concentrated matchday atmosphere thanks to its enclosed bowl design, which traps crowd noise and amplifies it back toward the pitch. Vitesse supporters bring a strong local identity to the stands, creating genuine intensity for home fixtures.

Fan culture

SBV Vitesse was founded in 1892 and carries deep roots in Arnhem and the Gelderland region. The active supporter section in the Noord-Tribune (north stand) drives choreography, flag displays, and sustained chanting throughout matches. Vitesse attracted international attention during a period of foreign ownership investment, which brought the club new resources but also increased pressure and scrutiny. Regardless of league table position, the core fanbase maintains a vocal and committed presence. The enclosed roof ensures that noise is contained within the bowl, making the atmosphere noticeably more intense than in open-air venues of similar capacity.

Big matches

UEFA Euro 2000 brought GelreDome its most prominent international spotlight, with the stadium hosting group-stage matches before a pan-European audience. In the Eredivisie, the regional derby against NEC Nijmegen — the Gelderse Derby — consistently produces the most emotionally charged atmosphere of the season, with both clubs drawing support from the same province. Vitesse's European campaigns have brought opponents from Spain, England, and Turkey to GelreDome, producing memorable knockout-round evenings that demonstrated the stadium's capacity for elite-level atmosphere.

Getting to GelreDome is manageable thanks to Arnhem's position as a major rail junction and the stadium's location within easy reach of the city centre. Most visitors arrive by train or car.

How to get there

• Train: Arnhem Centraal is a major intercity station with direct services from Amsterdam (approximately 65 minutes), Utrecht (approximately 40 minutes), and Nijmegen (approximately 15 minutes); from the station it is around 20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride to the stadium
• Bus: Local bus lines connect Arnhem city centre to the stadium; extra services are typically added on matchdays
• Car: Motorways A12 and A325 serve Arnhem; parking is available around the stadium precinct but fills quickly before kick-off

Tickets and tours

Match tickets for SBV Vitesse are sold via the official club website. With a capacity of 25,000, popular Eredivisie fixtures can sell out in advance, particularly derbies and European matches. Guided stadium tours including the retractable roof mechanism and pitch system are available during the season — schedules and pricing are listed on the official website.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 45–60 minutes before kick-off for busy fixtures; turnstiles in the compact concourse can back up
• The roof in action: If weather permits, arriving early gives a chance to see the retractable roof in its various positions — a genuine engineering spectacle
• Food and drink: Kiosks and concession stands are well distributed inside the stadium; Arnhem city centre, about 20 minutes on foot, offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes for pre-match dining