Grolsch Veste
The Grolsch Veste is the home ground of Dutch side FC Twente. It currently has a capacity of 30,000 seats.
Construction of the Grolsch Veste started in January 1997. Previously FC Twente had played its matches in the Diekman Stadion, however the comfort and security of the stadium that was built in 1965 was insufficient for modern demands. The Grolsch Veste, then still known as the Arke Stadion, opened on the 10th of May 1998 with a league match between Twente and PSV Eindhoven (3-0).
In its first seasons the new stadium, with a capacity of 14,000, proved to exceed expectations as FC Twente consistently sold out its home matches. Plans were made to expand the stadium, and in 2007 construction started of a second tier which was to cover half of the stadium in an L-shape and which increased capacity to 24,000. Works finished one year later, and at the same time the club changed the name to Grolsch Veste, after local beer brewer Grolsch.
As Twente continued to sell out its games, it almost immediately decided to execute the second phase of its plans and expand the capacity to 30,000 by extending the second tier to the other short end. Works were to be finished in the summer of 2011, however a few weeks before completion the roof structure collapsed, leading to the death of two builders. After an extensive investigation construction continued and was completed in October 2011.
The club is tentatively considering extending the stands to pitch level and completing the second tier over the entire stadium, which would result in a maximum capacity of 44,000. However no concrete timeline currently exists.
Getting there
The Grolsch Veste is located on the north-western edge of the city of Enschede, approximately 4.5 kilometres from Enschede’s main railway station and city centre. It is about the same distance from Hengelo’s city centre, a slightly smaller city located north-east from Enschede.
The stadium is located near Enschede’s university in a modern office park. Next to the stadium lies a leisure centre including a cinema, bowling, and some food establishments.
Coming by car from the west of the Netherlands, take the A1 and then the A35 in the direction of Enschede. Leave the A35 at exit 26 Enschede-West. At the exit turn left (north), follow the road for a few hundred metres, and then exit on the right (direction Universiteit). Turn left at the traffic lights, and follow the road for about 2.5 kilometres. Turn left after the bridge, and the stadium will show up quickly on your left.
By public transport the stadium can be most easily reached by train coming from either Hengelo’s or Enschede’s main railway station. The stadium lies next to Enschede Drienerlo train station, which is a 5-minute journey from both the above stations.
Alternatively bus line 1 also connects the stadium with Enschede’s main railway station.
Address: Colosseum 65, 7521 PP Enschede
Tickets
Tickets for FC Twente matches can be bought online (in Dutch) if in the possession of an FC Twente Club Card, or at the ticket office at the stadium.
There does not tend to be ticket sales at the stadium on the day of the match. Even though FC Twente continues to sell out most of its matches, tickets can be available in pre-sale. Price range from €25.00 to €37.50.
Stadium tours
The club organises guided stadium tours during the Dutch school holidays. Tours last about 90 minutes and include the dressing rooms and players’ tunnel.
Tours usually run at 3:00 pm. Check online (Dutch) for current dates and to make reservations. The tour costs €10.00.
For more information email stadiontour@fctwente.nl or call +31 (0) 53 85 25 525.
Related Internet links:
FCTwente.nl – Official website of FC Twente.
Uitinenschede.nl – Online guide for the city of Enschede.
NS.nl – Train travel information and journey planner.
9292ov.nl – Public transport journey planner.
Keep up to date with the latest stadium news by following @stadiumguide on Twitter (all updates) or liking our Facebook page (occasional updates). 
