Helmond Sport delays first game at revamped home

Helmond Sport, which sits on top of Dutch football’s second-tier Eerste Divisie and is battling for promotion to the top-flight Eredivisie, has had to delay its planned first game at its revamped De Braak stadium.

A new sports campus, including a multipurpose complex and a brand new 3,500-seat stadium for Helmond Sport, is currently being built.

The club had hoped to play its first game at the new stadium on January 11 next year, but an alternative date has not been announced.

The main issue appears to be differences of opinion over the type of playing surface that should be installed, while the stadium’s lease agreement is also reportedly yet to be finalised.

If the club secures promotion to the top division, it would not be allowed to play on its current artificial surface, with a grass or hybrid version required instead.

“There are intensive weekly consultations with the municipality, and in the meantime the own construction work continues according to plan,” Helmond Sport stated.

“The municipality and Helmond Sport continue to work to have the stadium ready as soon as possible.

“At this moment Helmond Sport cannot yet give a new date for the first match in the new stadium. As soon as there are concrete developments, we will inform the supporters about this. Until the transition to the new stadium is a fact, Helmond Sport will continue to play all home matches on the familiar terrain of ‘De Braak’.”

The club has invited its fans to an “information evening” on November 13 where details around the stadium’s development will be discussed.

City alderman Harrie van Dijk insists that there is no conflict between the municipality and the club.

“We are really constructively talking to each other and we are in the final phase,” he said, as reported by Eindhovens Dagblad.

“Only we will not make it on January 11. When we will be ready, I dare not predict yet. As soon as possible.”