Today, July 2nd, 2025, marks a quarter of a century since the dramatic final of UEFA Euro 2000, where France clinched the title with a golden goal against Italy in Rotterdam. Co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, this tournament was a vibrant celebration of European football, showcasing a blend of classic and modern stadiums.
25 years later, what has become of these hallowed grounds? Join us at Sports Tourist as we take a nostalgic look back at the eight stadiums that hosted the action, and see how they’ve evolved in the quarter-century since.
The Host Venues: Then & Now
Belgium
- Stade Roi Baudouin (King Baudouin Stadium), Brussels
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted the opening match and a semi-final, among others. It was the largest Belgian venue.
- Since 2000: Formerly the Heysel Stadium (site of the 1985 disaster), it was completely rebuilt and renamed for Euro 2000. Since then, it has remained the national stadium of Belgium, hosting national team matches and cup finals. It famously hosted the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2021, and continues to be a regular venue for high-profile international friendlies and qualifying matches. It also frequently hosts major concerts and athletics events like the Memorial Van Damme.
- Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted three group matches.
- Since 2000: Home to two top-flight Belgian clubs, Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge. The stadium underwent significant renovations for Euro 2000. It continues to be a bustling football ground, regularly hosting domestic league matches for both clubs, including numerous UEFA Champions League and Europa League group stage matches for Club Brugge. It remains a key part of Belgian football infrastructure.
- Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Liège
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted three group matches.
- Since 2000: Home to Standard Liège. This historic stadium was extensively renovated for Euro 2000. It continues to be one of Belgium’s largest football stadiums and has seen ongoing modernisation. It regularly hosts high-stakes domestic league matches and European club competition ties as Standard Liège is a perennial contender.
- Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Charleroi
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted three group matches. Notably, England vs. Germany was played here.
- Since 2000: This stadium saw perhaps the most significant post-Euro 2000 changes. Its Euro 2000 capacity of 30,000 was deemed too large for its resident club, Sporting Charleroi. Parts of the upper tiers were later removed, significantly reducing its capacity (to around 15,000-16,000). It has continued to host Sporting Charleroi’s domestic fixtures and occasional Europa League qualifying matches. The club is reportedly looking into plans for a new stadium, signifying a complete evolution from its Euro 2000 glory days.
Netherlands
- De Kuip (Feijenoord Stadion), Rotterdam
- Euro 2000 Role: The prestigious host of the Final, as well as a quarter-final and a group match.
- Since 2000: The iconic home of Feyenoord, De Kuip remains one of the most atmospheric and revered football stadiums in the Netherlands. It famously hosted the 2002 UEFA Cup Final where Feyenoord defeated Borussia Dortmund on home soil. It was also the venue for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Final between Spain and Croatia, and consistently hosts the KNVB Cup Final. Despite being an older stadium, its character and design are much loved, and it continues to serve as the club’s home and often hosts Dutch national team matches.
- Johan Cruyff ArenA (formerly Amsterdam ArenA), Amsterdam
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted a semi-final, a quarter-final, and several group matches.
- Since 2000: As one of Europe’s first retractable-roof stadiums, it was cutting-edge for Euro 2000. In 2018, it was officially renamed the Johan Cruyff ArenA. It remains the home of AFC Ajax and the primary venue for Dutch national team matches. It hosted the 2013 UEFA Europa League Final (Chelsea vs. Benfica) and was a major venue for the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), hosting three group stage matches and a Round of 16 tie. It has undergone continuous upgrades and modernization, ensuring its place as a premier European stadium.
- Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted three group matches.
- Since 2000: The enduring home of PSV Eindhoven. The stadium has seen continuous development and expansion. It was the venue for the 2006 UEFA Cup Final (Sevilla vs. Middlesbrough) and continues to host PSV’s domestic league games, numerous UEFA Champions League group stage matches, and Europa League ties. It’s renowned for its passionate atmosphere and remains a key part of PSV’s identity and success.
- GelreDome, Arnhem
- Euro 2000 Role: Hosted three group matches.
- Since 2000: Known for its retractable pitch and roof, making it suitable for both football (home of Vitesse Arnhem) and large-scale concerts and events. It hosted matches for the UEFA U21 European Championship in 2007. While Vitesse has faced financial challenges in recent years, the GelreDome continues to operate as a multi-purpose arena, demonstrating the versatility that made it a unique Euro 2000 venue.
A Lasting Legacy
25 years on, the stadiums of Euro 2000 stand as testament to a memorable tournament. While some, like the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, have seen drastic reductions in capacity, others like the Johan Cruyff ArenA and De Kuip continue to thrive, adapting to modern football while retaining their historical significance. Each venue holds a unique story, contributing to the rich tapestry of European football history.
What are your favourite memories from Euro 2000? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by Sports Tourist
