Innovation is in our DNA. Ever since the first brick was laid in 1993, the Johan Cruijff ArenA was the state-of-the-art stadium of Europe with its movable rooftop and multipurpose usage. 20 years later and fully embedded in its surrounding area, the Arena is the heart of a small city. This Amsterdam South East area is an unique location where mobility, sustainability, fan experience, safety and security are combined into an open innovation platform where development and testing of Smart Stadium and Smart City solutions can prosper. We collaborate with our partners and other parties to gather more knowledge and create a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives.
Powering the Future
Today the Johan Cruijff ArenA is the heart of one of the most vibrant areas of Amsterdam. It is here where the stadium and its founding partners created an unprecedented innovation platform to test and grow solutions that make the lives of people better. Innovations that have an immediate positive impact and, at the same time, have the potential to help solve the 21 Century urban and societal challenges in the areas of mobility, crowd control, security, visitor engagement, and citizen wellbeing in a sustainable and inclusive way.
As a fieldlab we support innovative solutions to visitors and fans. We challenge the world to experiment and codevelop new services through international Challenges like Change the Game (2019) and Reimagine Football (2020). Our fieldlab projects are co-funded by the European Fund for Regional Development.

Amsterdam, city of innovation
We’re a proud citizen of Amsterdam. A city famous for its progressive spirit and innovative mindset. It has been part of the city’s DNA from the early days of its founding.

Johan Cruijff ArenA, challenger of the status quo
We carry the name of the best football player in Dutch history in our brand with great pride and responsibility. Born and raised in Amsterdam Watergraafsmeer, Cruijff evolved into one of the best football players of all time.

Our Playing field
Our purpose is to create memorable experiences for our guests by intensifying the performance of the heroes our guests choose to visit.
6 themes: beacons for innovation

Basic Infrastructure
Seamless connectivity via Wi-Fi and 4G/5G, hosting customer experience on location via LTE broadcast, beacons and IoT network.

Customer Journey
We address the mobility needs of both individuals and crowds to make sure that the customer journey is seamless and enjoyable.

Facility Management
Data driven, we are integrating multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment while using the full potential of IoT solutions.

Fan Experience
We develop products and services to create the best experience possible for visitors in and around the stadium and the city.

Safety & Security
Best safety & security possible with respect for privacy and seamless customer journey.

Sustainability & Circular economy
Creating the most sustainable stadium with attention for energy solutions, a circular economy, waste management and mobility.

News & Articles

Partner Pitch: Safety & Security Things

Strategic alliance between Johan Cruyff Institute and Johan Cruijff ArenA in innovation and development in sport management

ArenA test location for spread and filtering of aerosols

Fieldlab Spectaculair ArenA Experiences (SAX)
Together with program partners Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, TNO and Media Perspectives we are investigating possible innovations and concepts that improve the visitor experience. The Johan Cruijff ArenA functions as a testing ground where concepts can be developed and tested in 'real' situations.
Read more
Designing valuable experiences: methods and inspiration
The Amsterdam University Applied Science, researchgroup Lectoraat Crossmedia is linked to the Fieldlab Spectacular ArenA eXperiences (SAX). The group is part of the program committee and conducts research into Fan Experience. The research focuses on the effects of innovative new (media) techniques, services and content on Fan Experience.
Read more
Reimagine Football
Join the challenge, reimagine football, and see your solution get implemented! Launching partners to help you scale across Europe Collaborate with leading European football organizations Access to cutting edge technology Commercial contracts for solutions with a solid business case
Read more