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Johan Cruijff ArenA to host World Cup viewing parties for Dutch fans

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has detailed plans for Johan Cruijff ArenA to host viewing parties for the Netherlands’ matches at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar this winter.

The KNVB has teamed up with a number of its corporate sponsors to transform Ajax’s home stadium into the ‘Huis van Oranje’ (House of Orange) during the World Cup, which will take place from November 21 to December 18.

The Netherlands has been drawn in Group A alongside host nation Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador. From the second group-stage match onwards, Johan Cruijff ArenA will welcome up to 55,000 fans to watch the action on giant screens.

Music artists and other entertainment will be provided. The KNVB will work with event agency TIG Sports and The Athlete Brand to organise the viewing parties.

The stadium’s roof will be closed to shelter fans from any potential adverse weather. The KNVB said a viewing experience of this scale has never been held before in the Netherlands.

Jean Paul Decossaux, commercial director for the KNVB, said: “In the Netherlands we pull out all the stops for an Oranje final tournament. Streets are decorated, neighbours watch TV together outside and the matches are experienced together.

“This year, however, the World Cup starts in November, so the weather makes such parties outside impossible. Most fans experience the World Cup in their own country, just like most of our partners.

“That is why we provide the greatest amount of care with the ‘House of Orange’ football party of the Netherlands by welcoming 55,000 people to the Johan Cruijff ArenA every game from the second group match. There will be the same Oranje party atmosphere as always, but with an even bigger approach and with a roof over our heads.”

The Netherlands will take on Senegal in the opening match of the World Cup on November 21. This match will be shown at the 4,000-capacity AFAS Live concert hall near the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with the second and third group-stage matches, along with any knockout games, to be shown at the stadium itself.

Tickets for the matches against Ecuador and Qatar will go on sale next week, with prices starting from €17.50 (£15.07/$18.25).

Image: Junpeng Ouyang on Unsplash