Ghelamco Arena
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Ghelamco Arena

4.5
·6k reviews·Gent, Belgium

Modern stadium for KAA Gent matches, known for its sleek design, vibrant atmosphere, and convenient bike access.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Match days

Experience the full atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Ghelamco Arena

Ghelamco Arena

Best Time

Match days

Experience the full atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Modern stadium for KAA Gent matches, known for its sleek design, vibrant atmosphere, and convenient bike access.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"A truly local experience with a top stadium and nice atmosphere, especially on match day!"

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TIP

💳 Card for Purchases

You need a special card for drinks/food. Load it up at kiosks or via the KAA Gent app.

🚲 Bike Parking

Plenty of well-organized bike parking available. Cycling is a popular and easy way to get here.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

KAA Gent Matchday Atmosphere

KAA Gent Matchday Atmosphere

Ghelamco Arena

Experience the electric energy of a live KAA Gent soccer match. Feel the local passion and vibrant crowd.

Modern Stadium Architecture

Modern Stadium Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the sleek, contemporary design of the Ghelamco Arena, a visually impressive structure.

Local Fan Experience

Local Fan Experience

Around the stadium

Enjoy a truly local vibe, from cycling to the stadium to grabbing snacks and souvenirs.

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Planning Your Visit

Matchday Essentials

Plan your visit for a KAA Gent match! Arrive early to navigate the stadium, especially if you're new. Remember to get a payment card for food and drinks, as cash isn't accepted. This card system is key for a smooth experience at the Ghelamco Arena. Reddit

Getting Around

While easily accessible by bike, public transport can be challenging for mid-week evening games. Taxis might be scarce post-match. Consider ride-sharing apps or pre-booking transport if relying on public transit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Match days
Why
Experience the full atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Off-season tours
Why
Explore the stadium calmly
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

THIS IS US. THIS IS GENT 🔵⚪️ #kaagent #football #fans #gent
@kaagent
5.7K likes • 96.6K views

💳 Card for Purchases

You need a special card for drinks/food. Load it up at kiosks or via the KAA Gent app. Reddit

🚲 Bike Parking

Plenty of well-organized bike parking available. Cycling is a popular and easy way to get here. Reddit

reddit.com

Casual Gamer Turned Arena God: Lessons Learned + Tips and Tricks

reddit.com

tips for Arena strategy? (NOT Arena map basics)

📱 Use the KAA Gent App

Convenient for adding credit to your payment card and staying updated on match info. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and get familiar with the stadium layout and amenities before kick-off. Reddit

reddit.com

New to arena, advice?

Tips

from all over the internet

💳 Card for Purchases

You need a special card for drinks/food. Load it up at kiosks or via the KAA Gent app. Reddit

🚲 Bike Parking

Plenty of well-organized bike parking available. Cycling is a popular and easy way to get here. Reddit

📱 Use the KAA Gent App

Convenient for adding credit to your payment card and staying updated on match info. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and get familiar with the stadium layout and amenities before kick-off. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ghelamco Arena for its modern design, clean facilities, and excellent matchday atmosphere. The convenient bike access and reasonable drink prices are frequently highlighted positives. However, some find public transport connections challenging after evening games, and the cashless payment system requires an initial setup.

"Top stadium and nice atmosphete.

It's worth to visit once during a match of KAA Gent. Easy to get there by bike, a truly local experience! To buy drinks and food inside you need to make a card first and then upload credit on it. You can easily do it on some places inside the stadium and also you have the option to use the kaa gent app to add credit to it."

Caique Bossi

"The stadium itself is very nice, but connection to public transport is terrible for mid-week evening matches. There was literally nothing available after the game, and we had to call a taxi to take us back to the city centre."

oneofthebhoys

"In and of itself, €2.50 beers (and n/a 0.0) deserve 5⭐️. Coming from the United States, we were expecting to get gauged. Everything about this stadium makes sense. Let's go Buffaloes!"

Z H Current

What People Like

Modern stadium design
Great match atmosphere
Easy bike access

What People Dislike

Limited public transport
Cashless payment system

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ghelamco Arena is easily accessible by bike, with ample parking. For public transport, check local schedules, though mid-week evening matches can have limited options post-game. Taxis might be difficult to find immediately after events. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces available for cars. For those arriving by bicycle, the stadium offers well-organized bicycle parking areas. Reddit

Cycling is highly recommended due to convenient parking. If using public transport, be aware of potential limitations for late-night departures after matches. Reddit

Public transport is available, but connections can be poor for mid-week evening matches. It's advisable to check schedules in advance or have alternative transport plans. Reddit

The distance varies, but it's generally a manageable journey by bike or a short taxi/bus ride from the city center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically available through the official KAA Gent website or at the stadium's ticket office. It's best to purchase in advance, especially for popular matches. Reddit

Opening hours vary depending on whether there is a match or event. For match days, gates usually open a couple of hours before kick-off. Check the official KAA Gent schedule for specific times. Reddit

Yes, cash is not accepted. You'll need to purchase a payment card at the stadium and load it with credit to buy food and beverages. This can be done at kiosks or via the KAA Gent app. Reddit

You can use the KAA Gent app to add credit to your payment card, which is then used for purchases. Direct mobile payment might not be available for all vendors. Reddit

The Ghelamco Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 18,000 spectators. Reddit

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is generally described as top-notch and energetic, with passionate fans creating a vibrant experience during KAA Gent matches. Reddit

Yes, there are plenty of food and snack stands inside the arena, offering a broad selection from fast food to healthier choices. Reddit

Absolutely, Ghelamco Arena is a modern stadium built in 2013, featuring contemporary design and excellent facilities. Reddit

The stadium offers excellent visibility from all seats, ensuring a great view of the match. Seating is well-designed for easy navigation. Reddit

Yes, there is a fan shop located at the stadium where you can purchase souvenirs and club merchandise. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the Ghelamco Arena will find a modern and clean environment. The stadium's excellent visibility from all seats ensures kids have a good view of the match. The variety of food and snack options means you can likely find something to please picky eaters, though remember the cashless payment system. Reddit

Cycling to the stadium is a fun and easy option for families, with dedicated bike parking. For post-match travel, especially on weeknights, have a plan ready as public transport might be limited. Consider arriving early to explore the stadium and let kids get settled without rush. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Ghelamco Arena offers reasonable prices for drinks, with beers noted at €2.50, which is considered good value, especially coming from abroad. Reddit While you need to purchase a payment card, the overall cost of concessions is not exorbitant. The most budget-friendly way to reach the stadium is by bike, which is free and well-catered for with ample parking. Reddit

Attending a match is the primary way to experience the stadium, and ticket prices can vary. Look for deals or consider less premium seating if available. The local experience of cycling and enjoying the stadium's amenities without excessive spending makes it a good option for those watching their wallets. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Matchday Payments

Attending a match at the Ghelamco Arena involves a specific payment system for food and drinks. Unlike many venues, cash is not accepted. Instead, visitors must acquire a dedicated payment card upon arrival. This card can be purchased and topped up at various points within the stadium. For added convenience, fans can also utilize the KAA Gent app to manage their card balance and add credit remotely, streamlining the process and reducing wait times. Reddit

This cashless system, while requiring an initial step, is designed to speed up service and improve efficiency. It's a common practice in modern stadiums, ensuring that you can quickly grab a beer or a snack without much delay. Remember to factor in a few extra minutes to get your card sorted before you get too hungry or thirsty! Reddit

Accessibility and Transportation

The Ghelamco Arena is praised for its accessibility, particularly for cyclists. The stadium boasts ample and well-organized bicycle parking, making it a preferred mode of transport for many locals. Reddit For those relying on public transport, the situation can be more variable. While services exist, connections, especially for mid-week evening matches, might be limited post-game. This has led to some travelers reporting difficulties in getting back to the city center, sometimes resorting to taxis. Reddit

If you're planning to use public transport, it's highly recommended to check schedules meticulously beforehand and have a backup plan. Ride-sharing services or pre-arranged transport might be wise considerations for evening events. The stadium's proximity to the city center means that cycling or even a brisk walk are viable options for many, offering a more predictable and often enjoyable journey. Reddit

Stadium Design and Amenities

The Ghelamco Arena, built in 2013, stands out with its modern and aesthetically pleasing exterior that integrates well with its surroundings. Inside, the stadium is meticulously maintained and clean, offering a comfortable viewing experience for its approximately 18,000 spectators. A key feature highlighted by visitors is the excellent visibility from all seats, ensuring that no matter where you are, you have a great view of the action on the pitch. Reddit

Beyond the seating, the arena provides a variety of amenities. There are numerous food and beverage options catering to diverse tastes, from quick snacks to more substantial fare. Additionally, the stadium houses a fan shop for official KAA Gent merchandise, and nearby facilities like an Albert Heijn supermarket add to the convenience for visitors. Reddit

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