Luckily for me I have not had jet lag. I woke up early, got breakfast, excited to visit the stadium. The stadium is Amsterdam Arena, home to AFC Ajax. This is where we watched AFC Ajax play Willem II.
You can see the pitch we practiced on yesterday in the photo above. Today the roof was closed. We learned that the roof is closed to help keep the grass in tiptop condition. But, with the roof closed they water the grass with sprinklers, cover the field with lights, and have lots of fans to simulate the wind.
The field is beautiful. We saw how much work it is to keep a professional field in shape. We also learned how they can transform the field to a concert floor, and then back again. There is also a road that runs directly below the pitch. Crazy.
The first stop on our tour was the visitor's locker room. It was plain and boring. But of course this was done on purpose. However, the home locker room was very nice.
The first stop on our tour was the visitor's locker room. It was plain and boring. But of course this was done on purpose. However, the home locker room was very nice.
Getting to see the locker room of a professional football team was my highlight of the tour. I have never seen a professional locker room. It was interesting to see how and where the players prepare for a game. The lockers seemed to be organized by player position. There was one empty locker. The locker of Jasper Cillissen.
After the locker room we went to a new part of the stadium. The Hall of Fame. This is a museum for AFC Ajax with many of the cups won. Finally, we went to the pro shop to buy some souvenirs. I think for some of the group this was the highlight.
I would love to keep writing this blog about my day, but right now I need to get ready for our first game tonight.