Jan Breydel Stadium (Bruges)

The Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges

Jan Breydel Stadium is a prominent football stadium located in Sint-Andries, Bruges, Belgium. This multi-purpose venue holds a unique place in Belgian football as the shared home ground for two rival top-flight clubs: Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge.

Known for its passionate local support and vibrant matchday atmosphere, Jan Breydel Stadium is a key landmark in Bruges. This guide provides essential information for visiting the stadium, understanding its history, and planning your event experience.

History of Jan Breydel Stadium

Jan Breydel Stadium was originally built in 1975 by the city of Bruges and named Olympiastadion. Its creation provided a shared home for the city’s two professional football clubs, Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge, aiming to consolidate resources and provide a modern stage for both teams.

The stadium underwent a significant overhaul in 1999 in preparation for UEFA Euro 2000, which Belgium co-hosted with the Netherlands. During this renovation, the stadium was fully covered, all terracing was converted to seating, and its capacity was expanded to over 29,000. It was also at this time that the stadium was renamed Jan Breydel Stadium, honoring a local folk hero from 14th-century Bruges. During Euro 2000, Jan Breydel Stadium proudly hosted three group stage matches and a quarter-final fixture. Today, it continues to serve as a central hub for football in West Flanders.

Key Information

Official Name: Jan Breydel
Stadium Location: Olympialaan 74, 8200 Bruges, Belgium
Established: 1975 (originally as Olympiastadion)
Capacity: 29,000
Home Teams: Club Brugge KV, Cercle Brugge KSV

Ticketing Information for Jan Breydel Stadium Events

Tickets for matches and events at Jan Breydel Stadium are primarily sold through the official channels of its resident clubs, Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge. Purchasing directly from these authorized sources is crucial to ensure validity.

How to Purchase Tickets:

  • Club Brugge Official Ticketing: For Club Brugge home matches, tickets are available via their official website. They also offer stadium tours which can be booked through their site: Club Brugge Official Website.
  • Cercle Brugge Official Ticketing: For Cercle Brugge home matches, tickets can be purchased through their official website: Cercle Brugge Official Website.
  • Venue Box Office: On match days, a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase directly at the stadium box office, but this is not guaranteed, especially for high-demand games or derby matches between the two home teams.
  • Resale Platforms: If considering a resale ticket, use reputable platforms that provide a secure environment for buying and selling second-hand tickets. Always exercise caution when purchasing from unofficial sources.

Important Ticketing Considerations:

  • Demand: Matches involving Club Brugge, particularly European fixtures or the local derby against Cercle Brugge, are often high-demand events. It is advisable to purchase tickets well in advance.
  • Print-at-Home/Mobile Tickets: Many events utilize print-at-home or mobile tickets. Ensure you have your tickets readily accessible on your mobile device or printed out before arriving at the stadium for faster entry.
  • Conditions of Entry: Familiarise yourself with the stadium’s Conditions of Entry, which cover prohibited items and general stadium rules, to ensure a hassle-free experience.
  • Arrive Early: Gates typically open well before kick-off. Arriving early allows time for security checks, finding your seat, and soaking in the pre-match atmosphere.

Getting to Jan Breydel Stadium

Jan Breydel Stadium is located in the Sint-Andries district of Bruges, a short distance from the city centre. It is well-served by public transport.

1. By Air:

  • Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST): This is the closest airport to Bruges, approximately a 25-minute drive from the stadium.
  • Brussels Airport (BRU): Belgium’s main international airport, located about 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Bruges. From Bruges train station, you can connect to the stadium.

2. By Public Transport:

Public transport is an efficient way to reach Jan Breydel Stadium from Bruges city centre or the train station.

  • Train: Take the train to Brugge Station (Bruges Central Station). From there, you can connect to the stadium via bus.
  • Bus: De Lijn operates local bus services to the stadium area.
    • From Brugge Station, bus lines such as Line 5 (Sint-Andries – VIVES – Station – Malehoek – Sint-Kruis) or Line 15 (Sint-Andries – Station – Centrum – Sint-Kruis) will take you close to the stadium. The nearest bus stop is “Sint-Andries Kerk” or “Sint-Andries Zwembad,” both about a 9-10 minute walk from the stadium. The bus journey from the station takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
    • From the city centre (e.g., ‘t Zand), you can also take relevant bus lines to the stadium area.
  • Planning Your Journey: Use the De Lijn website or a public transport planner like Moovit to plan your route.

3. By Car & Parking:

Driving to Jan Breydel Stadium is an option, and parking facilities are available.

  • Stadium Parking: The stadium has a dedicated Park-and-Ride car park (P+R Jan Breydel) which is convenient for visitors. Follow signage for stadium parking on event days.
  • Recommendation: While parking is available, using public transport is often recommended on match days to avoid congestion and simplify your arrival and departure.

Important Travel Notes:

  • Arrive Early: On match days, the area around the stadium can be busy. Arriving well in advance allows time for travel, parking, and security checks.
  • Check Club Websites: Always refer to the official Club Brugge or Cercle Brugge websites for the most up-to-date travel advice, parking details, and public transport information for specific events.

Where to Stay Near Jan Breydel Stadium

Bruges offers a wide range of accommodation, from charming boutique hotels in the historic city centre to options closer to the stadium.

1. Hotels within Walking Distance/Short Drive of Jan Breydel Stadium (Sint-Andries/Sint-Michiels):

Staying in the Sint-Andries or Sint-Michiels districts offers closer proximity to the stadium.

2. Hotels in Bruges City Centre (Historic Centre):

The historic city centre offers a magical experience with its medieval architecture, canals, and numerous dining and shopping options.

  • Pros: Immersive cultural experience, wide variety of hotels, excellent access to attractions. Well-connected to the stadium via bus.
  • Examples:

Booking Tips:

  • Book in Advance: Bruges is a very popular tourist destination, so accommodation can book up quickly, especially during peak season or major events.
  • Consider Your Itinerary: If your visit is primarily for a match, a hotel closer to the stadium might be ideal. If you plan extensive sightseeing, a city centre hotel might be more convenient.
  • Check Reviews: Use reputable booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor to compare options and read recent guest reviews.
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Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit

Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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