The Development of Stadiums as Centers of Large Entertainment Areas. The Amsterdam ArenA Case

On August 14th 1996, the opening ceremony of the Amsterdam ArenA took place; the first stadium intended to be a multifunctional structure, a place where to host a wide variety of events, with a highway passing underneath the pitch and with a sliding roof. The Amsterdam ArenA case represents a successful example of private-public partnership. A win-win solution has brought benefits to both parties. In today's competitive global markets, the event itself is no longer sufficient to motivate consumers to pay expensive tickets and parking fees. To be worthwhile, spectators expect to be immersed in an experience. AFC Ajax remains the stadium's anchor tenant, Nevertheless the Amsterdam ArenA case also demonstrates the role that a stadium can play as a catalyst for urban renewal.