Stadion Woudestein, Football stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Stadion Woudestein is a football stadium in the Kralingen district of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It has four stands that surround the pitch, with a capacity of around 4,500 seats, and it serves as the home ground for Excelsior's men's and women's teams.
The stadium was built in 1902, the same year Excelsior was founded, and it has been the club's home for most of its existence. It was renovated and reopened in 1939, and further upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s modernized the facilities.
The stadium is deeply connected to Excelsior, a club with a strong local following. Fans often gather near the main entrance before matches, and the stands named after former players keep the club's history alive for supporters.
The stadium is in a residential area, so walking or cycling from the nearby tram stop is the easiest way to get there. On match days, arrive early to find a spot in the stands, as space is limited and the locals come in numbers.
The stadium has a stand named after Robin van Persie, who played in Excelsior's youth academy. Also, during the Second World War, the stadium was used by anti-aircraft guns and had to be guarded to prevent the wooden stands from being taken for firewood.
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