Although Excelsior is living in the shadows of big brother Feyenoord and rival Sparta, a visit to Woudestein is highly recommended. The stadium located in the Kralingen district is also called 'the living room of professional football'. There is a real family atmosphere among supporters at every home game.
When you think of Excelsior, you think of Woudestein. Woudestein, officially called Van Donge & De Roo Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is located on the outskirts of Kralingen. With a capacity of 4,400, it is one of the smallest stadiums in the Netherlands. Kralingen is a neighbourhood characterized by high mansions, small pitches and social housing. From the outside Woudenstein does not offer much, but inside the atmosphere is sublime. The fans on the Robin van Persie stand, on the south side, are the conductors who light up the stadium with singing and drumming.
In the fifties, Woudestein could host 11.000 fans. Those times are far behind us. However, there are plans to modernize the stadium considerably. Not only with an expansion to 6,500 places but also by placing four modern flats on its roof. However, it remains to be seen when construction for this 'Excelsior City'-plan will start. The city council still has to approve the expansion.
Excelsior was founded in 1902 under the name Rotterdamse Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Excelsior (Rotterdam Football and Athletics Club Excelsior). During its 120-year history, Excelsior often fluctuated between the Eredivisie and the first division. The most memorable moments in Excelsior's history have taken place in games for promotion/relegation. Excelsior was promoted in 2010 by defeating rival Sparta with an equalizer in the 94th minute. In 2022, Excelsior managed to claim promotion by winning a hard-fought battle with ADO Den Haag, which in the end was decided by penalties. The Excelsior version of Sweet Caroline contains an audio fragment of the promotion in 2010. Echoing through the stadium speakers, which still leaves Excelsior supporters with a big smiles on their faces.
Woudestein's main stand proudly bears the name of 'Mister Excelsior' Henk Zon. Zon was chairman of Excelsior from 1952 to 1977. The cheerful chairman always worked hard to raise money for 'his' Excelsior. Zon's initiative to collect waste paper for money earned Excelsior the nickname Oud Papier-club (Old Paper Cub). Zon was also more than happy to sing the club's anthem and if the referees needed a linesman, Zon raced along the sideline with a bowler hat and all. In addition to a grandstand and beautiful photos of Zon (with a tenner in his hat) in the catacombs, there is also a street in Rotterdam-Noord named after him. The Henk Zonstraat is accompanied by other street names that are named after former footballers from Rotterdam such as Leen Vente, Henk van Spaandonck and Wim Lagendaal.
Excelsior supporters have been visiting the Hoekzight and De Dijk cafés before and after a match for years. Located on the lively Oostzeedijk and easily accessible by tram, it is the place where many Excelsior supporters come together on match days to enjoy a beer. However, you will only find one Excelsior scarf hanging on the wall. With three professional clubs in Rotterdam, both bars can of course also be visited by Feyenoord and Sparta fans.
Prior to a match, Excelsior supporters gather around the stadium on the fan square. Behind the entrance gates, no larger than a penalty area, it is the place to get yourself a large bag of fries or a classic Dutch stroopwafel. In Woudenstein you will also find an old-fashioned canteen. It is also always busy in the business area where celebrities, former players, press, sponsors, students and employees are mixed together. After matches, especially, it can get very festive here until the early hours. The result has little influence on that.
Tickets for Excelsior matches are easily available on the club's official website. For only € 16.50 you already have a place on the Erasmus stand. All you have to do is create an account and order it.
From Rotterdam Central Station there are two trams in the direction of Woudestein: 21 and 24. The tram stops in front of the Woudenstein. If you plan to travel to Kralingen by car, there is enough space around the stadium to park your car.
Images: Shutterstock, BSR Agency
